The Word "From"

Definition

The word from is a preposition that indicates the source, origin, or starting point of something. It can refer to both physical locations and abstract concepts.

Usage of "From"

Here are some common usages of the word from:

• Indicating Origin: "She comes from Spain."
• Showing Time Frame: "The exhibition runs from June to August."
• Specifying a Starting Point: "He started working from a young age."
• Denoting a Source: "I received the information from a reliable source."

Grammatical Role

As a preposition, from is used before a noun or pronoun and is typically followed by the object forming a prepositional phrase.

Examples of Prepositional Phrases with "From":

• from the book
• from the top
• from the teacher

Common Expressions Involving "From"

There are several idiomatic expressions that use the word from, such as:

• from scratch: To start from the very beginning, without any prior resources.
• from the bottom up: To approach something starting at the lowest level or point.
• come from behind: To succeed after starting in a disadvantaged position.

Conclusion

The preposition from is a simple yet pivotal word in the English language that helps convey various meanings related to origin and starting points. Understanding its usage can enhance your communication skills in both spoken and written English.