Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
could be derived
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "could be derived" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something can be obtained or inferred from a particular source or set of information. Example: "The conclusion could be derived from the data presented in the study."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(20)
can be obtained
can be inferred
might be extracted
can be ascertained
may be determined
can be generated
might be developed
can be realized
may stem from
may be obtained
could be generated
could be yielded
could be characterized
could be provided
could be incorporated
could be demonstrated
could be discovered
could be delivered
could be received
could be removed
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Then, a certain amount could be derived from said value.
News & Media
"Any benefit that could be derived from sparing his life will be lost.
News & Media
"It could be derived from anything but often it's the brand of spirit you're using," he says.
News & Media
"Much information could be derived form these powders," he said, including serious clues about terrorist skills and origins.
News & Media
Aquinas thought that moral law could be derived by human reason from reflection on natural facts.
News & Media
Pearson disagreed, saying the answers could be derived through "evidence" from the text.
News & Media
Other corollaries could be derived.
Several theoretical results could be derived as follows.
A qualitative argument could be derived from different situations.
From the table, at least two points could be derived.
It is first confirmed that the filters could be derived.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "could be derived" to indicate that information, results, or conclusions can be logically obtained or inferred from a specific source, data, or method. Ensure the context clearly identifies the origin from which the derivation occurs.
Common error
Avoid using "could be derived" without specifying the source from which the derivation is possible. Vague references can confuse readers and weaken the statement's credibility. Always clarify the origin of the potential derivation.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "could be derived" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something is capable of being obtained or inferred from a specific source or method. Ludwig confirms its use across various contexts.
Frequent in
Science
65%
News & Media
20%
Formal & Business
5%
Less common in
Wiki
5%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "could be derived" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the potential to obtain or infer something from a specific source or method. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various domains, including science, news, and formal business contexts. When using "could be derived", ensure clarity by explicitly mentioning the source of derivation. Alternative phrases like "can be obtained" or "may be deduced" offer similar meanings with subtle nuances. This phrase, due to the nature of its use, will probably appear less in colloquial contexts and more in formal writing contexts.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
can be obtained
Focuses on the ability to get or acquire something, emphasizing accessibility.
can be inferred
Highlights the process of drawing a conclusion based on evidence or reasoning.
may be deduced
Implies a logical conclusion that can be reached through reasoning or analysis.
might be extracted
Suggests a process of taking or drawing something out carefully from a source.
can be ascertained
Emphasizes the possibility of finding something out for certain after inquiry.
may be determined
Focuses on the process of establishing something definitively through investigation or calculation.
can be generated
Highlights the possibility of creating or producing something.
might be developed
Suggests the potential for something to evolve or be brought into existence.
can be realized
Emphasizes the ability for something to become an actuality or to be fully understood.
may stem from
Indicates that something originates or has its roots in a particular source or cause.
FAQs
How can I use "could be derived" in a sentence?
Use "could be derived" to indicate that something can be logically inferred or obtained from a specific source or method. For example, "The conclusion "could be derived" from the data presented in the study".
What are some alternatives to "could be derived"?
Alternatives include "can be obtained", "can be inferred", or "may be deduced", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it more appropriate to use "could be derived" or "can be derived"?
"Could be derived" suggests a possibility or potential, while "can be derived" indicates a definite ability. Choose the option that best reflects the certainty of the derivation in your context. Use "could" when derivation is probable but not guaranteed and "can" when it is certainly possible.
What's the difference between "could be derived" and "is derived"?
"Could be derived" implies a potential for derivation, whereas "is derived" indicates that the derivation has already occurred. Use "is derived" when stating a known fact or established conclusion and "could be derived" when discussing a possibility or potentiality.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested