invent out of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "invent out of" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in a context where you want to express that something was created or derived from a specific source or idea. Example: "She managed to invent out of her childhood experiences, creating a unique story that resonated with many readers."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But if your strongly argued point of view on those matters is founded in a reality that you have just decided to invent out of whole cloth, then what you are delivering is not news.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The point is the affection in the stands, the warm banter between us, which we invented out on the margins of America.

The New York Times

This was all invented out of necessity.

The Guardian - Film

Leahy's figure is not invented out of thin air, but it is misleading enough to qualify for Three Pinocchios.

The Washington Post

But it is in these paintings that we see now-familiar national stereotypes being invented out of whole cloth.

The New York Times - Arts

The austerity thing was just invented out of thin air and a few dubious historical examples to serve the prejudices of the elite.

The New York Times

Given a modicum of space and time, games of football are likely to spring up anywhere, and footballs to be invented out of tightly bound rigs or newspapers.

The New Yorker

Linda Hirshman, in "Victory: The Triumphant Gay Revolution," delivers a vivid history of a movement that was invented, out of nothing, circa 1950.

The New Yorker

It applies evenly and lasts until I succumb to a homemade watermelon daiquiri, which I just invented out of Appleton Estate Rum (yum), watermelon, ice and lime.

The New York Times

"This was a time in which weapons were invented out of necessity," says Gustavsson. "There was long-range fighting in fields, fighting through forests.

The Guardian - Tech

The deputy prime minister added that Gove had seen a report that meant the policy was tested and researched, rather than "invented out of thin blue air".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "invent out of", ensure the context clearly indicates the source or inspiration from which something is being created. For instance, "The artist invented a new style out of her personal experiences."

Common error

Avoid using "invent out of" when the creation is merely inspired or influenced by something, rather than directly derived. It's more accurate to say something was "inspired by" rather than "invented out of" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "invent out of" functions as a verb phrase indicating the process of creating something from a specific source or material. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use across diverse contexts, although Ludwig AI signals potential for misuse if not appropriately applied.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "invent out of" signifies creation stemming from a particular origin, often material or abstract. While common across various sources like news and media, its usage must precisely reflect the generative relationship between invention and origin, as highlighted by Ludwig AI. Alternatives like "create from" or "derive from" offer nuanced substitutes. Proper application ensures clarity, while avoiding its misapplication maintains precision in writing. With appropriate context, this idiom enriches expression, linking creations directly to their foundational elements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create from

Focuses on the act of making something using a specific material or idea as a starting point.

devise from

Implies a planned and skillful creation, often from existing knowledge or resources.

formulate from

Highlights the careful and systematic development of something, like a plan or theory, from available information.

develop from

Suggests a gradual process of growth or evolution from an initial state or concept.

fashion from

Emphasizes the skill and artistry involved in shaping something from a particular material.

originate from

Stresses the source or beginning from which something arises or is created.

construct from

Highlights the building or assembly of something from different components or ideas.

derive from

Indicates that something is obtained or extracted from a specific source.

produce from

Focuses on the act of generating or yielding something from a particular source or method.

extract from

Implies carefully removing or obtaining something essential from a source.

FAQs

What does "invent out of" mean?

"Invent out of" means to create or devise something using a particular source, material, or idea as the basis or inspiration. It emphasizes the origin or foundation from which the invention arises.

How can I use "invent out of" in a sentence?

You can use "invent out of" to show the relationship between an invention and its source. For example, "The chef "created a new dish" out of locally sourced ingredients".

What are some alternatives to "invent out of"?

Alternatives to "invent out of" include phrases like "create from", "develop from", or "derive from", which all express the idea of originating something from a specific source.

Is it correct to say something was "invented out of thin air"?

Yes, the expression "invented out of thin air" is a common idiom that means something was created or fabricated without any real basis or evidence. It's used to express disbelief or skepticism about the authenticity of something.