What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
whence
Example
The river flows from whence it came. [whence: adverb]
Example
Whence did you get that idea? [whence: conjunction]
wherefrom
Example
Wherefrom did you get that book? [wherefrom: adverb]
Example
The package arrived, but I don't know wherefrom. [wherefrom: conjunction]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Whence is more common than wherefrom in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between whence and wherefrom?
Whence is slightly more formal than wherefrom, but both can be used in formal writing or speech.
