The meaning of "from"in the sentence "You need a break from routine".

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"You need a break from routine".

Why does it use the preposition of "from"? Does "from" refer to something happened previously?

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@joydada,

We use "from" to indicate motion relative to something else. The context (using "break") clarifies that it means separation.

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@joydada,

Quote:

"You nee a break from routine".

I think we're all just kinda assuming that by "nee" you mean "need," not "knee." That would be different--it would be like bringing your knee up sharply into the testicles of routine and breaking his pelvis, or something, I figure.

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@FBM,

Can you make a specific explanation or give me some examples? Thanks.

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@layman,

Sorry, I made a mistake, it's not "nee", but "need". Thanks for reminding.

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@joydada,

joydada wrote:

Can you make a specific explanation or give me some examples? Thanks.

Maybe this will help:
http://www.englishgrammar.org/using-from/

Quote:

Using from
JULY 28, 2012 - pdf

From indicates the starting point in space.

He traveled from England to India.
From can also indicate the beginning of a period.

The conference will be held from the 28th of May to the 10th of June.
Note the use of the preposition to. It is wrong to use and or for in this case.

She worked from morning to evening. (NOT She worked from morning and evening.) (NOT She worked from morning for evening.)
He has been staying away from school.
He is away from home.
From can be used to refer to the giver or sender.

I have just received a letter from my brother. (= I have just received a letter sent by my brother.)
From can also indicate source or origin

He quoted a passage from Shakespeare.
Wine is made from grapes.
From can indicate ideas such as escape, separation or release.

Stay away from the fire.
They fled from the enemy.
He has been released from prison.
Cause or motive

From can indicate the cause or motive behind an action or state.

He collapsed from weakness.
I helped her from a sense of duty.
Distinction or difference

Can you distinguish this from that?
This is different from that.
From time to time = occasionally

You must review your lessons from time to time.

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@FBM,

So can I just figure it out as: behind "from" is a state or a motion , and the state of a person switch from routine to a rest??

1 Reply

@FBM,

This is the one you're looking for, Joy:

Quote:

From can indicate ideas such as escape, separation or release.

He has been released from prison.

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@joydada,

joydada wrote:

So can I just figure it out as: behind "from" is a state or a motion , and the state of a person switch from routine to a rest??

Yes, any change of state or motion. It doesn't have to be from routine to rest. That's just one example. The temperature can rise from 26 to 35 degrees, for another example. She can go from being happy to being angry in 0.3 seconds. A country can go from peace to war over certain issues.

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@FBM,

OK, I got it. Thank you!

1 Reply

@joydada,

You're very welcome. Very Happy

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The meaning of "from"in the sentence "You need a break from routine".

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