What is from? Pronunciation and usage in English

from means . Learn how to pronounce and use from through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of from

frompreposition

/frɒm/
Definition & pronunciation of from

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "from" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners because it doesn't follow typical English pronunciation rules. Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is: /frɒm/

Let’s break that down phonetically:

  • /fr/: This part is similar to the "fry" sound. It's a quick, slightly buzzy "r" sound. Don't overemphasize the "r" – it's a very brief rumble.
  • /ɒ/: This is the "o" sound in "hot" or "lot." It's a short, rounded vowel sound. It's not like the "o" in "go."
  • /m/: A simple "m" sound.

Here's how it sounds in practice:

Think of it like saying "fr-ott-em" very quickly, blending the sounds together.

Variations:

  • Regional Differences: You'll hear slight variations depending on where you are in the English-speaking world:
    • British English: Often pronounced as /frɒm/ (as described above).
    • American English: Can be pronounced /frʌm/. The "o" sound is slightly more open and less rounded, and the "r" is often very soft, almost disappearing. It’s more like “fr-uhm.”

Tips for Practice:

  1. Listen to Native Speakers: The best way to get it right is to hear it. Use online dictionaries like Merriam-Webster or Cambridge Dictionary, or YouTube videos showing how to pronounce the word.
  2. Record Yourself: Record yourself saying "from" and compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation.
  3. Focus on the Blend: It’s key to connect the “fr” and “om” sounds smoothly.

Resources:

Would you like me to:

  • Give you an example sentence using "from"?
  • Compare the pronunciation of "from" to another similar word (like "farm")?

Usage and examples with the word from in English

The word "from" is incredibly versatile in English! It has multiple functions and meanings. Here's a breakdown of how to use it, categorized for clarity:

1. Origin/Source:

  • Most common use: This is where "from" indicates where something comes from.
    • I’m from Canada. (Where I am originally from)
    • This apple is from the local farmer’s market. (Where the apple came from)
    • The building was designed from ancient Greek architecture. (The inspiration came from)

2. Movement/Direction (Indicating Departure):

  • "From" shows a movement away from a place.
    • He traveled from London to Paris. (He started in London and moved to Paris)
    • She walked from the park to the library. (She started at the park and walked toward the library)

3. Exclusion/Not Including:

  • "From" can exclude items or people.
    • Everyone except John is invited from the party. (John is excluded)
    • I'll buy coffee, but not milk from the store. (Milk will not be purchased from the store)

4. Duration/Time Period:

  • "From" specifies the start and end of a period.
    • I've lived here from 2010 to 2015. (The period of time)
    • The concert started from 8 pm until midnight. (The timing)

5. Relationships & Belonging:

  • "From" + a person/group: Can describe someone's affiliation or relationship.
    • She's a doctor from Harvard University. (Her profession and connection to Harvard)
    • He’s a member from the chess club. (He belongs to the club)

6. Referring to a Source or Cause (Often with adjectives):

  • "From" can describe something caused by or resulting from something else.
    • He was upset from the bad news. (The bad news caused his upset)
    • The painting is from a famous artist. (The artist is the source of the painting)
    • I’m suffering from a cold. (The cold is the cause of the suffering)

7. Prepositional Phrases – Combined with other words:

  • "From time to time" - Regularly, occasionally
  • "From now on" - Starting now, going forward
  • "From the beginning" - Right from the start
  • “From scratch” – To start completely new

Key Points and Common Mistakes:

  • “From” vs. “Of”: This is a really common confusion!

    • “From” indicates origin or source. “A picture from a museum.”
    • “Of” indicates belonging or association. “A painting of a landscape.”

  • "From... to..." This structure is frequently used to show a range of time or a sequence. “I studied French from March to June.”

  • Double "from": Be careful not to use "from" twice in a row unnecessarily. “He came from the store” is better than “He came from from the store.”

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What specifically are you struggling with when it comes to using “from”?
  • Can you give me an example sentence you’re unsure about?

Synonyms for the word from

Idioms of the word from

from… on
starting at the time mentioned and continuously after that
  • From now on you can work on your own.
  • She never spoke to him again from that day on.

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