invented out of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "invented out of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the origin or source of an idea, concept, or creation, indicating that something was created from a particular inspiration or material. Example: "The new technology was invented out of a need for more efficient energy solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

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

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 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

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

Imagine the backlash if this newspaper publicly assailed someone based on no facts and invented things out of thin air for the purposes of impugning their character.

Huffington Post

Edward Lowe, who invented litter out of absorbent clay in 1947, heads Edward Lowe Industries, Inc. of Cassopolis, Mich., which manufactures Kitty Litter and Tidy Cat. They lead a highly competitive litter market with about a third of industry sales.

The New York Times

Bras are certainly not even remotely as important as the actual shape of the earth, but they were obviously invented, went out of fashion, were forgotten, and supposed to be invented (again) in the late 19th Century".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "invented out of" to clearly indicate that a concept, device, or method was created as a direct response to a specific need or set of circumstances. This emphasizes the pragmatic origin of the invention.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "invented out of" can sound slightly informal. In very formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "derived from" or "developed from" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "invented out of" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, specifying the origin or cause of an invention. It indicates the necessity, resources, or circumstances that led to its creation. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "invented out of" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe the origin or cause of an invention. Ludwig confirms its proper usage. It's most common in news and media contexts, though it can be slightly informal for highly formal or scientific writing. When choosing this phrase, consider its implication of necessity or resourcefulness, as it emphasizes the circumstances that led to the invention. If a more formal tone is needed, alternatives like "developed from" or "derived from" might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

created from

Focuses on the act of creation with a specific material or source as the origin.

developed from

Emphasizes a gradual process of evolution and refinement from an initial state or idea.

devised from

Highlights the intellectual effort and planning involved in the creation process.

originated from

Stresses the point of origin or initial source of something.

fashioned from

Suggests a skillful or artistic creation process using specific materials.

built upon

Implies that something was constructed on a pre-existing foundation or concept.

composed of

Indicates that something is made up of various components or elements.

constructed from

Focuses on a deliberate and methodical process of building or assembling something.

derived from

Highlights the extraction or obtaining of something from a particular source.

based on

Indicates that something is founded or predicated on a particular idea or principle.

FAQs

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

The phrase "invented out of" is used to describe the genesis of something, often implying necessity or resourcefulness. For example: "The algorithm was "created from" a need for faster data processing."

What are some alternatives to "invented out of"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "developed from", ""created from"", or "originated from" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "invented from" or "invented out of"?

"Invented out of" is more common when you want to emphasize the specific source, reason, or motivation behind the invention. "Invented from" is less frequently used. Consider your emphasis when choosing.

What's the difference between "invented out of" and "designed for"?

"Invented out of" emphasizes the origin and impetus behind the creation, while "designed for" focuses on the intended purpose or application of something.