from a certain precursor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "from a certain precursor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that originates or is derived from a specific earlier source or entity. Example: "The new technology was developed from a certain precursor that laid the groundwork for its functionality."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"The mechanism of fungal bioluminescence suggests the formation of luciferin from a certain precursor," Yampolsky says.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This heterogeneity is even displayed within the same population and suggests MSC subpopulations exhibiting specialized functions according to local tissue requirements which may develop from certain precursor cells and still maintain stem cell properties [ 144].

Cell Communication and Signaling

Most breast cancers appear to arise from certain precursors over long periods of time.

Breast Cancer Research

By looking at all the blood data, it can identify certain precursor markers that suggest an infection is rising.

The New York Times

Certain precursor cells matured earlier than normal, bringing tissue growth to a halt prematurely.

Science Magazine

In literature, certain precursor genes have been associated with Human Thyroid Cancer.

BMC Genomics

From a certain perspective, yes.

Huffington Post

'Letters From Exile' is material written from a certain space, in a certain place.

Los Angeles Times

A piece from a certain artist?

WikiHow

Most mtRNA precursors are thought to have a short life span, although certain precursors have been reported to accumulate in mitochondria from human cells and tissue (Temperley et al., 2010).

Cell Metabolism

In addition, osteoclasts are derived from a monocytic precursor [ 4].

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "from a certain precursor", ensure the nature of the precursor and its relationship to the final product or state is clear to the reader. This enhances understanding and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "from a certain precursor" without specifying what that precursor is or providing enough context for the reader to infer it. Overly vague references can weaken your argument and confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from a certain precursor" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the origin or source of something. It specifies that something arises or develops from a particular, often antecedent, entity. Ludwig indicates it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

37%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "from a certain precursor" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to denote the origin or source of something, often in scientific or technical contexts. Although Ludwig indicates it is correct, its frequency is rare. While semantically clear, it's crucial to ensure the precursor is adequately defined to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include variations emphasizing specificity or the nature of the origin. Common usage involves academic and scientific writing where precision in tracing development is paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emerging from a known precursor

Swaps "certain" for "known", emphasizing that the precursor is identified.

derived from a specific origin

This alternative emphasizes the act of derivation and highlights a particular origin point, making it more explicit.

originating from a defined source

This variant focuses on the point of origin and specifies that the source is clearly defined, adding emphasis on traceability.

stemming from a particular ancestor

This option uses 'stemming' to suggest a gradual development from a known ancestor, fitting contexts needing evolutionary nuance.

developing from a given antecedent

Focuses on the process of development and uses 'antecedent' to highlight a prior influence.

arising from a selected predecessor

This choice uses 'arising' to indicate emergence and specifies that the predecessor was intentionally selected.

created from a unique antecedent

Highlights the uniqueness of the earlier form, suggesting something singular.

produced from a specific reactant

This alternative is more suitable in scientific contexts, specifically chemistry.

formed from a designated beginning

This option emphasizes the initial starting point and its designation.

resulting from a distinct forerunner

Uses 'forerunner' to explicitly indicate a direct predecessor that influenced the outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "from a certain precursor" in a sentence?

Use "from a certain precursor" to indicate that something originates or is derived from a specific, often earlier, entity or source. For example, "The technology was developed "from a certain precursor" that laid the groundwork for its functionality."

What phrases can I use instead of "from a certain precursor"?

You can use alternatives like "derived from a specific origin", "originating from a defined source", or "stemming from a particular ancestor" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "from a certain precursor"?

It's appropriate when you need to specify that something comes from a particular, though perhaps not immediately obvious, prior source. It's often used in scientific or technical contexts to describe developmental pathways or origins.

Is "from a certain precursor" formal or informal language?

"From a certain precursor" leans towards formal usage, especially in scientific and technical writing. In more casual conversation, simpler phrases like "based on" or "developed from" might be more appropriate.