stem from

Meaning

To have its origin in something; to be caused by something.

Examples

1. Many of the town’s problems stem from a lack of jobs. US UK
2. The conflict stems from a disagreement over land. US UK
3. His success stems from years of hard work. US UK

How to use it

Stem from is formal and common in writing about causes. The result comes first and the cause comes after from: the problem stems from poor planning. You will also see the participle: problems stemming from poor planning.

Common mistake

Not: Poor planning stems from the problem.
Say: The problem stems from poor planning. (The result comes first. The cause comes after from.)