“From Which” vs. “From Where” – Difference Explained

“From which” and “from where” are very similar grammatical phrases. They both work to refer to things “from which” you can travel or go. In this article, we’ll explain all the differences you need to know to make sure you get it correct.

Is It “From Which” or “From Where”?

“From which” and “from where” both work when talking about traveling from one point to another. Since we’re using the “from” preposition, it means that we’re talking about the initial location (i.e. point A) of travel. It makes sense for “from” to be used when the verb supports it.

from where vs from which

When using “which” phrases like this, it might help to jumble them up a little bit to find out whether you have the right preposition. For example:

  • The place from which we came is small.
  • We came from a small place.

As you can see, “came” is the verb of choice. “Came from” is a correct phrasal verb, which shows that “from” can be used when using “from which.”

“From where” applies in exactly the same way, but it’s a little more specific. It only works when you’re talking about direct places from which you came, as “where” refers to a location.

  • The place from where we came is small.

Many people think “from where” is a bit too jarring, so they avoid using it.

What Does “From Which” Mean?

Let’s start by showing you how to use “from which” in a sentence. You should use “from which” when “from” works with your chosen verb. It’s a good way of showing the location you started traveling from, especially if you’ve begun to move away from that location.

Perhaps some examples will help you figure out a bit more about it:

  1. The hotel from which we came has a lot of facilities that we think you’d like.
  2. There is a place over there from which we came, and we’re making the most of it now.
  3. The country from which I arrived here is the place I call home. I never really settled around here.
  4. The places from which I came are different than anything around here. I’m not sure how I feel about these places.
  5. You should visit the hotel in the city, from which you’ll be able to learn a lot more about all the things you can do.

What Does “From Where” Mean?

“From where” is identical in usage to “from which.” Most of the differences in how to use “from where” in a sentence comes from contextual information. “From where” only works to talk about specific places since “where” refers to a place, but “which” rather to places and things.

Here are some examples to show you how similar it is to “from which:”

  1. I advise you to visit the shack over the road, from where you’ll be able to get all the answers you need.
  2. The places from where you’ve arrived aren’t on this map. I’ve never even heard of them.
  3. The zones from where you’ve come are irrelevant in these parts. Sorry, but that’s the truth.
  4. I think you should visit her in hospital, from where you’ll be able to connect to the mainline trains again.
  5. I will not be going back to the ranch, from where I had a lot of traumatic things happen to me.

Is “From Which” or “From Where” Used The Most?

It might help to know which is the more common phrase of the two.

According to Google Ngram Viewer, “from which” is vastly more popular. You should use it whenever you’re referring to going from a place. It refers to the first location you have traveled from.

from where vs from which english usage

“From where” is slowly becoming more popular, but it’s unlikely to ever overtake “from which.” Native speakers simply think it sounds too jarring in many sentences.

Also, since it applies to fewer situations, it makes sense that it’s not the best choice when we’re looking at a graph designed for popularity. Context plays an important role when it comes to popular phrases like this, and it would help to know the differences.

“From Which” and “From Where” – Synonyms

Finally, let’s go over some synonyms that might be able to work in place of these phrases. Some of these are great choices to talk about travel:

  • Whence
  • Wherefrom
  • Whither
  • Thence
  • From
  • After which
  • From what place
  • From such place

You may also like:
“After Which” In A Sentence – Easy Explanation (+Examples)
“In Which”, “Of Which”, “At Which”, “To Which” – Usage Guide
“From Where” vs. “Where From” – Easy Usage Guide (+Examples)
“In Which” vs. “Where” – Difference Explained (With Examples)