Learn English – “Originate in” or “originate from”

grammarprepositions

Tell me please which preposition I have to use after the word originate in the following sentence.

I know what this phrase means, but it difficult to tell where it originates in/from.

Best Answer

Both prepositions are acceptable in a main clause:

X originated in Y

X originated from Y

The spark that set the stable on fire originated from a smokestack nearby.

These species originated in the sea but migrated into fresh water.

With respect your use in the where-clause, I would say:

I know what this phrase means, but it is difficult to tell where it originated.

You really don't need a preposition there, but if you are going to use one, use from, as user3169 pointed out in the comment below:

... You cannot tell from where it originated yes

... You cannot tell in where it originated no

So:

You cannot tell where it originated from.

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