Mastering “From”: Sentence Examples and Usage Guide

Understanding prepositions is crucial for constructing clear and grammatically correct sentences in English. The preposition “from” is particularly versatile, indicating origin, source, separation, and more. This article provides a comprehensive guide to using “from” effectively, with numerous examples, usage rules, and practice exercises. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, mastering “from” will significantly enhance your English proficiency by clarifying relationships between elements in a sentence.

Table of Contents

• Definition of “From”
• Structural Breakdown
• Types and Categories of “From” Usage
  • Origin or Source
  • Separation or Removal
  • Starting Point in Time or Space
  • Cause or Reason
  • Material or Composition
  • Perspective or Viewpoint
• Examples of “From” in Sentences
  • Examples Indicating Origin
  • Examples Indicating Separation
  • Examples Indicating Time and Space
  • Examples Indicating Cause or Reason
  • Examples Indicating Material
  • Examples Indicating Perspective
• Usage Rules for “From”
• Common Mistakes with “From”
• Practice Exercises
  • Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
  • Exercise 2: Correct the Sentences
  • Exercise 3: Sentence Construction
• Advanced Topics
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Definition of “From”

The preposition “from” is a fundamental element of English grammar that signifies a variety of relationships between nouns, pronouns, and other parts of a sentence. It primarily indicates the source, origin, starting point, or cause of something. Understanding its different uses is essential for clear and accurate communication.

“From” belongs to the category of prepositions of place, time, and cause. Its function is to connect a noun or pronoun (the object of the preposition) to another word in the sentence, thereby providing context and specifying relationships. For instance, it can specify where something originates, when something begins, or why something happened.

In various contexts, “from” can convey different meanings, such as separating something from its original location, indicating a starting point, or denoting the material something is made of. Its versatility makes it one of the most frequently used prepositions in the English language.

Structural Breakdown

The basic structure involving “from” is quite simple: Noun/Pronoun/Phrase + “from” + Noun/Pronoun/Phrase. The first noun/pronoun/phrase is often the subject or object of the sentence, and the second noun/pronoun/phrase is the object of the preposition “from.” The preposition “from” establishes a relationship between these two elements.

For example, in the sentence “I received a letter from my sister,” “I” is the subject, and “my sister” is the object of the preposition “from.” The preposition “from” indicates the origin of the letter.

Another common pattern is using “from” with “to” to indicate a range or duration: from [starting point] to [ending point]. This structure is used for both time and location, such as “from Monday to Friday” or “from London to Paris.”

Understanding these basic structures helps in constructing grammatically correct and meaningful sentences using the preposition “from.” Pay attention to the order of elements and the context to ensure clarity.

Types and Categories of “From” Usage

The preposition “from” has various applications, each conveying a distinct meaning. Here are some key categories:

Origin or Source

This is one of the most common uses of “from.” It indicates where something comes from or originates. The source can be a place, a person, or an entity.

Separation or Removal

“From” can also indicate the act of separating or removing something from a place, object, or state. This usage often implies a change in location or condition.

Starting Point in Time or Space

Another important function of “from” is to denote a starting point, whether in terms of time, location, or a sequence of events. It sets the initial boundary.

Cause or Reason

In some cases, “from” can indicate the cause or reason behind an action or a situation. This usage implies a direct relationship between the cause and the effect.

Material or Composition

“From” is used to describe the material or substance something is made of. This helps specify the composition of an object.

Perspective or Viewpoint

Finally, “from” can indicate a particular perspective or viewpoint. This shows who is holding a certain opinion or belief.

Examples of “From” in Sentences

To illustrate the various uses of “from,” here are several examples categorized by function:

Examples Indicating Origin

This table provides examples of “from” indicating the origin or source of something. Each example illustrates how “from” connects the object to its point of origin.

Sentence	Explanation
I am from New York.	Indicates the speaker’s place of origin.
She received a gift from her mother.	Specifies the person who gave the gift.
The idea came from a book he read.	Indicates the source of the idea.
This wine is from France.	Specifies the country of origin for the wine.
He learned the recipe from his grandmother.	Indicates who taught him the recipe.
The sound came from the forest.	Specifies the location of the sound’s origin.
They bought the car from a dealership.	Indicates the place where they bought the car.
The information was obtained from a reliable source.	Specifies the source of the information.
I got the news from the radio.	Indicates the medium through which the news was received.
The river flows from the mountains.	Specifies the starting point of the river’s flow.
She inherited the house from her uncle.	Indicates who passed down the house to her.
The painting originated from the Renaissance period.	Specifies the time period of the painting’s origin.
He copied the answer from his classmate.	Indicates the person from whom he copied the answer.
The company imports goods from China.	Specifies the country from which the goods are imported.
The tradition stems from ancient customs.	Indicates the origin of the tradition.
I downloaded the file from the internet.	Specifies the source of the downloaded file.
The story is adapted from a classic novel.	Indicates the original work that the story is based on.
He drew inspiration from nature.	Specifies the source of his inspiration.
The product is manufactured from recycled materials.	Indicates the materials used in manufacturing the product.
The quote is taken from a famous speech.	Specifies the source of the quote.
The word derives from Latin.	Indicates the linguistic origin of the word.
The design was inspired from Japanese art.	Specifies the artistic influence on the design.
The energy is generated from solar power.	Indicates the source of the energy being generated.

Examples Indicating Separation

This table showcases instances where “from” indicates the separation or removal of something from a place, object, or state. The examples emphasize the change in location or condition due to separation.

Sentence	Explanation
Take the book from the shelf.	Indicates removing the book from its location.
He recovered from his illness.	Specifies the process of separating from a state of sickness.
Remove the stain from the fabric.	Indicates the act of eliminating the stain.
The bird flew from its cage.	Specifies the bird’s escape from confinement.
I detached the coupon from the flyer.	Indicates separating the coupon from the flyer.
She graduated from college last year.	Specifies the separation from the state of being a student.
He resigned from his job.	Indicates the act of leaving employment.
The company withdrew from the market.	Specifies the company’s departure from the market.
I separated the eggs from the yolk.	Indicates the act of dividing the eggs and yolk.
She distanced herself from the group.	Specifies the act of creating emotional or physical separation.
The soldier was discharged from the army.	Indicates the release from military service.
He was banned from the premises.	Specifies the act of being prohibited from entering.
The country seceded from the union.	Indicates the act of formally withdrawing from a political union.
She was rescued from the burning building.	Specifies the act of being saved from a dangerous situation.
He was freed from his obligations.	Indicates the release from duties or responsibilities.
They were evacuated from the danger zone.	Specifies the act of being moved away from a hazardous area.
The land was reclaimed from the sea.	Indicates the act of recovering land from the ocean.
He was extricated from the wreckage.	Specifies the act of being pulled out from a destroyed structure.
The weeds were pulled from the garden.	Indicates the act of removing unwanted plants.
She was exonerated from all charges.	Specifies the act of being cleared from accusations.
The project was divested from the company’s portfolio.	Indicates the act of selling off an asset or business unit.
He was absolved from the blame.	Specifies the act of being freed from guilt.
The contract was terminated from their agreement.	Indicates the act of ending the contractual agreement.

Examples Indicating Time and Space

This table shows how “from” is used to indicate a starting point in time or space. The examples illustrate the temporal and spatial relationships that “from” helps establish.

Sentence	Explanation
The store is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.	Indicates the starting and ending times of operation.
We traveled from London to Edinburgh.	Specifies the starting and ending locations of the journey.
The meeting lasted from two to three hours.	Indicates the duration of the meeting.
The event will run from Monday to Friday.	Specifies the days of the event.
The temperature ranges from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius.	Indicates the range of temperature.
He walked from the house to the park.	Specifies the starting and ending points of his walk.
The project timeline is from January to June.	Indicates the duration of the project.
The train journey is from New York to Chicago.	Specifies the starting and ending cities of the train journey.
The concert is scheduled from 7 PM to 10 PM.	Indicates the start and end times of the concert.
The exhibition is open from July to September.	Specifies the months during which the exhibition is open.
She worked from home from March to May.	Indicates the period she worked remotely.
The campaign ran from the beginning to the end of the year.	Specifies the entire duration of the campaign.
The course extends from basic to advanced levels.	Indicates the range of skill levels covered in the course.
The river flows from the mountains to the sea.	Specifies the geographical path of the river.
The process involves steps from planning to execution.	Indicates the sequence of steps in the process.
The book covers topics from history to science.	Specifies the range of subjects covered in the book.
The hike goes from the valley to the summit.	Indicates the starting and ending points of the hike.
The presentation spans from introductory concepts to advanced theories.	Specifies the scope of the presentation.
The research covers data from 2010 to 2020.	Indicates the time period of the research data.
The project received funding from various sources from 2015 to 2018.	Specifies the timeframe of funding.
The survey collected responses from urban to rural areas.	Indicates the geographical scope of the survey.
The study analyzes data from multiple perspectives from economics to sociology.	Specifies the range of analytical viewpoints.
The documentary traces the artist’s life from childhood to fame.	Indicates the biographical scope of the documentary.

Examples Indicating Cause or Reason

This table provides examples of “from” indicating the cause or reason for something. Each example illustrates how “from” links an action or situation to its underlying cause.

Sentence	Explanation
He is suffering from a headache.	Indicates the cause of his suffering.
She was trembling from fear.	Specifies the reason for her trembling.
The plants died from lack of water.	Indicates the cause of the plants’ death.
He is exhausted from working all night.	Specifies the reason for his exhaustion.
The city was damaged from the earthquake.	Indicates the cause of the city’s damage.
She is recovering from surgery.	Specifies the reason for her recovery process.
He is absent from school due to illness.	Indicates the cause of his absence.
The team lost the game from a series of mistakes.	Specifies the reason for the team’s loss.
The business benefited from the new policy.	Indicates the reason for the business’s benefit.
The project failed from lack of funding.	Specifies the cause of the project’s failure.
He was motivated from a desire to succeed.	Indicates the driving force behind his motivation.
She was inspired from the beauty of nature.	Specifies the source of her inspiration.
The audience was captivated from the speaker’s charisma.	Indicates the reason for the audience’s captivation.
The company suffered from a data breach.	Specifies the cause of the company’s suffering.
The community thrived from the new initiatives.	Indicates the reason for the community’s thriving.
He was disheartened from the negative feedback.	Specifies the cause of his discouragement.
She was overwhelmed from the amount of work.	Indicates the reason for her feeling overwhelmed.
The system crashed from a software bug.	Specifies the cause of the system crash.
He was distracted from the noise outside.	Indicates the cause of his distraction.
She was delayed from the heavy traffic.	Specifies the reason for her delay.
The economy rebounded from the recession.	Indicates the event from which the economy recovered.
He was deterred from his plan by the bad weather.	Specifies the cause that stopped him from pursuing his plan.
She was encouraged from the positive results.	Indicates the reason for her encouragement.

Examples Indicating Material

This table shows how “from” is used to indicate the material or substance something is made of. The examples illustrate the composition of various objects.

Sentence	Explanation
The table is made from wood.	Indicates the material of the table.
This statue is sculpted from marble.	Specifies the material used for the statue.
The paper is made from recycled materials.	Indicates the composition of the paper.
The bridge is constructed from steel.	Specifies the material of the bridge.
The jewelry is crafted from silver.	Indicates the material used to craft the jewelry.
The road is paved from asphalt.	Specifies the material of the road surface.
The building is built from bricks.	Indicates the material of the building’s walls.
The sculpture is cast from bronze.	Specifies the material of the sculpture.
The cloth is woven from cotton.	Indicates the fiber used to make the cloth.
The dish is prepared from fresh ingredients.	Specifies the materials used in the dish.
The vase is blown from glass.	Indicates the material from which the vase is made.
The furniture is assembled from particleboard.	Specifies the material used in assembling the furniture.
The artwork is created from clay.	Indicates the material used to create the artwork.
The frame is molded from plastic.	Specifies the material of the frame.
The pot is fired from ceramic.	Indicates the material used to make the pot.
The sculpture is carved from stone.	Specifies the material from which the sculpture is carved.
The roof is constructed from tiles.	Indicates the material of the roof.
The bag is sewn from leather.	Specifies the material used to make the bag.
The statue is formed from metal.	Indicates the material used to form the statue.
The foundation is poured from concrete.	Specifies the material of the foundation.
The structure is reinforced from rebar.	Indicates the material used to reinforce the structure.
The artwork is collaged from paper scraps.	Specifies the materials used in the collage artwork.
The ornament is crafted from beads.	Indicates the material used to craft the ornament.

Examples Indicating Perspective

This table shows how “from” is used to indicate a particular perspective or viewpoint. The examples illustrate who is holding a certain opinion or belief.

Sentence	Explanation
From my perspective, it’s a good idea.	Indicates the speaker’s viewpoint.
From his point of view, the situation is different.	Specifies the viewpoint of another person.
From a historical standpoint, this event is significant.	Indicates a historical perspective.
From a scientific perspective, the results are inconclusive.	Specifies a scientific viewpoint.
From an economic standpoint, the project is viable.	Indicates an economic perspective.
From a legal perspective, the contract is binding.	Specifies a legal viewpoint.
From a moral perspective, the action is wrong.	Indicates a moral viewpoint.
From an artistic perspective, the painting is beautiful.	Specifies an artistic viewpoint.
From a business perspective, the investment is strategic.	Indicates a business viewpoint.
From a customer’s perspective, the service is excellent.	Specifies a customer’s viewpoint.
From a teacher’s perspective, the student is improving.	Indicates a teacher’s assessment.
From a parent’s perspective, the child is happy.	Specifies a parent’s observation.
From a doctor’s perspective, the patient is stable.	Indicates a doctor’s medical opinion.
From an engineer’s perspective, the design is sound.	Specifies an engineer’s assessment.
From a writer’s perspective, the story is compelling.	Indicates a writer’s evaluation.
From a journalist’s perspective, the event is newsworthy.	Specifies a journalist’s opinion.
From a programmer’s perspective, the code is efficient.	Indicates a programmer’s assessment.
From a chef’s perspective, the dish is delicious.	Specifies a chef’s culinary opinion.
From a musician’s perspective, the melody is harmonious.	Indicates a musician’s artistic viewpoint.
From a historian’s perspective, the era is fascinating.	Specifies a historian’s academic view.
From a child’s perspective, the world is full of wonder.	Indicates a child’s innocent view.
From a CEO’s perspective, profits are the main priority.	Specifies a CEO’s business viewpoint.
From an athlete’s perspective, dedication is essential.	Indicates an athlete’s professional viewpoint.

Usage Rules for “From”

Using “from” correctly involves understanding a few key rules:

• Origin: Always use “from” to indicate where something originates (e.g., “He is from Spain.”).
• Separation: Use “from” to show something is being removed or separated (e.g., “Take the keys from the table.”).
• Time and Space: Use “from…to” to indicate a range or duration (e.g., “The class is from 2 PM to 4 PM.”).
• Cause: “From” can indicate the cause of something, often with verbs like “suffer” (e.g., “She suffers from allergies.”).
• Material: Use “from” to describe what something is made of (e.g., “The sculpture is made from bronze.”).
• Perspective: Use “from” to indicate a specific viewpoint (e.g., “From my perspective, it’s a good idea.”).

Exceptions and Special Cases:

• Avoid using “from” redundantly. For example, instead of saying “He came from his house,” simply say “He came from home.”
• Be mindful of idiomatic expressions. Some phrases require “from” (e.g., “different from”), while others do not.
• In formal writing, ensure that the use of “from” is precise and unambiguous.

Common Mistakes with “From”

Here are some common errors learners make when using “from,” along with corrections:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
I am coming from home.	I am coming home.	Redundant use of “from.”
He is different than me.	He is different from me.	“Different” is followed by “from,” not “than.”
She learned English of her teacher.	She learned English from her teacher.	“From” indicates the source of learning.
The book is of the table.	The book is from the table.	“From” indicates removing the book *off* the table.
I take it of him.	I take it from him.	“From” indicates the source of what is taken.
The movie is inspired of a true story.	The movie is inspired by a true story.	“Inspired by” is the correct phrase.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of “from” with these exercises:

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct use of “from.”

Question	Answer
1. I received a postcard ______ Spain.	from
2. Take the dishes ______ the sink.	from
3. The meeting is ______ 10 AM to 12 PM.	from
4. She is suffering ______ a cold.	from
5. The shirt is made ______ cotton.	from
6. ______ my perspective, this is the best option.	From
7. He graduated ______ university last year.	from
8. The noise came ______ the street.	from
9. I need to separate the wheat ______ the chaff.	from
10. The recipe originated ______ Italy.	from

Exercise 2: Correct the Sentences

Correct the sentences that use “from” incorrectly.

Incorrect Sentence	Correct Sentence
1. He is different than his brother.	He is different from his brother.
2. I am coming from my house.	I am coming home.
3. She learned the news of the radio.	She learned the news from the radio.
4. The water is of the well.	The water is from the well.
5. He is tired because of working hard.	He is tired from working hard.
6. Take the pencil of the desk.	Take the pencil from the desk.
7. The idea came of him.	The idea came from him.
8. The book is made of paper.	The book is made from paper.
9. She is recovering of her illness.	She is recovering from her illness.
10. This is different to that.	This is different from that.

Exercise 3: Sentence Construction

Create sentences using “from” based on the given prompts.

Prompt	Example Sentence
1. Indicate the origin of a gift.	I received a beautiful scarf from my aunt.
2. Describe removing something from a shelf.	She took the old photo album from the top shelf.
3. Specify the working hours of a store.	The bakery is open from 7 AM to 6 PM every day.
4. Explain why someone is suffering.	He is suffering from a severe back injury.
5. Describe what a table is made of.	The sturdy dining table is made from solid oak.
6. Give your perspective on a movie.	From my perspective, the movie was incredibly moving and thought-provoking.
7. Indicate where you learned a skill.	I learned how to play the guitar from a local musician.
8. Describe a journey between two cities.	We drove from Los Angeles to San Francisco last summer.
9. Explain why a plant died.	The plant died from neglect and lack of sunlight.
10. Describe the material of a statue.	The imposing statue in the town square is made from granite.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, consider these more complex aspects of using “from”:

• Idiomatic Expressions: Explore idiomatic expressions that use “from,” such as “know right from wrong,” “from scratch,” and “out of the blue.”
• Formal vs. Informal Usage: Understand how the use of “from” can vary between formal and informal

  usage, and when one might be preferred over the other.

• Subtleties in Meaning: Analyze sentences where “from” has a nuanced meaning, requiring careful interpretation based on context.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Mastering the preposition “from” is essential for clear and effective communication in English. By understanding its various uses—indicating origin, separation, time, cause, material, and perspective—you can construct more precise and meaningful sentences. Through consistent practice and attention to usage rules, you can avoid common mistakes and enhance your overall English proficiency. Use the examples and exercises provided in this guide to reinforce your learning and confidently apply “from” in your writing and speaking.