Phrasal verb
come from
Meanings
to originate in a particular place (where someone is from)
to be produced or obtained from a particular source (where something comes from)
to be caused by or result from something (the reason something happens)
Definition
“Come from” means to originate from a place, person, or source.
“Come from” is used to say where someone or something originates. You can use it for a person’s home country or city, for the source of information, or for where a feeling or idea is caused by. It often answers the question “Where did it originate?” or “What is the source?”
Examples
- I come from a small coastal town.
- She comes from a family of teachers.
- They come from different backgrounds, but they work well together.
- This strange smell comes from the old fridge.
- His confidence comes from months of practice.
Common mistake
Learners often say “come of” instead of “come from” when talking about origin (e.g., “Where do you come of?”).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.