a derivative of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a derivative of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to something that is derived from or has been derived from something else. For example, you could say "This painting is a derivative of a famous artwork from the Renaissance period."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's like a derivative of actual pepper.

The New Yorker

Social mobility is a derivative of the overall political economy.

The Guardian - Opinion

A derivative of chili peppers is in legitimate trials.

The New York Times - Magazine

Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, is a derivative of alloxazine.

Britannica

Rimantadine is a derivative of the antiviral agent amantadine.

Britannica

(The hallucinogen LSD is a derivative of ergot).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Pectins, found in fruits and berries and used commercially as gelling agents, consist of a derivative of galacturonic acid (itself a derivative of the sugar galactose).

Britannica

A derivative of gang writing, tagging is a way to mark territory.

The New York Times - Arts

Any substance which contains any quantity of a derivative of barbituric acid, or any salt of a derivative of barbituric acid.

Cornell University

Baseball, though, sells only a derivative of its product -- broadcasts of the games.

The New York Times

Crabyon® is made by blending viscose with chitosan, a derivative of chitin.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a derivative of", ensure clarity about the original source. Clearly state what the subject is derived from to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid implying that something is entirely new when it's "a derivative of" something else. Acknowledge the original source to maintain accuracy and avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a derivative of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun. It specifies the origin or source from which something is obtained or developed. Ludwig AI confirms its standard grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

0.06%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a derivative of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that denotes the origin or source of something. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate usage. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating that a subject is not original but rather a modified or secondary form. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly state the original source to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "stemming from" or "based on" can be used depending on the specific context. The key is to acknowledge the original source and avoid implying that the derivative is entirely novel.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stemming from

Focuses on the origin or source from which something originates.

originating from

Emphasizes the initial source or place where something began.

based on

Highlights the foundation or basis upon which something is constructed.

resulting from

Indicates a cause-and-effect relationship, where something is a consequence.

descended from

Suggests a lineage or line of descent, often used in historical or biological contexts.

a product of

Highlights the outcome or result of a process or influence.

an outgrowth of

Implies a natural development or extension from something else.

adapted from

Indicates a modification or alteration of an existing work or concept.

influenced by

Emphasizes the impact or effect of something on another.

developed from

Highlights the process of growth or evolution from an earlier stage.

FAQs

How is "a derivative of" used in a sentence?

The phrase "a derivative of" indicates that something originates or is obtained from something else. For example, "Esketamine is "a derivative of ketamine"."

What are some alternatives to "a derivative of"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "stemming from", "originating from", or "based on" as alternatives to "a derivative of".

Is it correct to say 'the product is a derivative of X'?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. It means the product is developed or obtained from X. For example, "Baseball sells only "a derivative of its product" -- broadcasts of the games."

What's the difference between "a derivative of" and "derived from"?

"A derivative of" is a noun phrase, while "derived from" is a verb phrase. Both indicate origin, but their grammatical function differs. For instance, "This drug is "a derivative of penicillin"" versus "This drug is "derived from penicillin"".