derive income

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "derive income" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the sources or methods through which income is generated or obtained. Example: "Many businesses derive income from multiple streams, including sales, investments, and services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Both companies give away their browser software for free, although they derive income from web searches conducted inside the programs.

The Guardian - Tech

Mr. Pittman will have responsibility for all of the businesses that derive income from subscriptions and from advertising.

The New York Times

They also derive income from travelers who buy memberships in lounge programs or passes for one-time entry.

The New York Times

Most universities derive income from a broad range of sources, such as knowledge transfer, commercial operations, public-private partnerships and philanthropic giving.

The Guardian

The musicians who wish to derive income from such fees need to go to the back of the line: we software developers and authors were here first.

The New York Times

The paradox of economics, he believes, is that "we derive income from transforming the earth into goods, but you can't keep on transforming the earth.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"Deriving income from a variety of sources is a promising approach".

The New York Times

Although the corporation derived income from ticket sales and from its mail-carrying service, its revenues were not enough to offset its expenditures.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As such, it lacked the clear revenue stream that one could find on sites that derived income from banner advertising or membership fees.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Certain politicians stand out for their interest in housing: Richard Benyon, the Conservative MP for Newbury, derives income from so many properties he can't list them all in the register, simply listing his interests in property in a number of boroughs.

The Guardian

The monthly maintenance charges are a relatively modest $7,601, because the 15-story brick building, built in 1917 and converted to co-ops in 1965, derives income from assorted retail outlets at its base.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "derive income" when you want to emphasize the source or method by which income is obtained, especially when it's not immediately obvious. For example, a company might "derive income" from licensing intellectual property.

Common error

Avoid using "derive income" when you actually mean "derive from". "Derive from" indicates origin or source, while "derive income" specifically refers to obtaining monetary gain. Ensure your phrasing accurately reflects your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "derive income" functions as a verb phrase with "derive" as the transitive verb and "income" as its direct object. It indicates the act of obtaining or receiving money from a particular source. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Pastoralism

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "derive income" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the act of obtaining income from a particular source. Ludwig's examples show it's used across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While synonyms like "earn income" and "generate revenue" exist, "derive income" emphasizes the specific source or method of obtaining funds. Remember to differentiate it from "derive from", which indicates origin. According to Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for neutral and formal registers, making it versatile for various writing purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Generate income

Focuses on the active creation of income, implying a more direct action.

Earn income

Implies effort and labor in obtaining income, suggesting a more direct exchange for work.

Obtain income

Suggests a broader range of methods for acquiring income, not necessarily through direct effort.

Receive income

Emphasizes the act of getting income, often passively or as a result of something else.

Yield income

Implies that income is produced as a result of investment or ownership.

Draw income

Focuses on the act of withdrawing or taking income from a source.

Secure income

Suggests the act of ensuring a stable and reliable source of income.

Accumulate income

Highlights the growth and gathering of income over time.

Create revenue

Similar to 'generate income' but emphasizes the financial aspect of the activity.

Produce earnings

Focuses on the outcome of activities that result in financial gain.

FAQs

How can I use "derive income" in a sentence?

You can use "derive income" to describe how an individual or organization obtains money. For example: "The company "derives income" from subscriptions and advertising."

What can I say instead of "derive income"?

You can use alternatives like "earn income", "generate revenue", or "obtain income" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "derive income" and "earn income"?

"Derive income" suggests obtaining income from a particular source or activity, while "earn income" usually implies direct effort or labor in exchange for money.

Is it correct to say "deriving income"?

Yes, "deriving income" is grammatically correct. It's the present participle form of the verb phrase and can be used to describe an ongoing action. For example: "They are "deriving income" from their investments."