is derived from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is derived from' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you need to explain that one thing has come from another thing, as in the following example: The term 'propaganda' is derived from a Latin phrase meaning 'to propagate a cause.'.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Football is derived from soccer and rugby.

The New York Times - Sports

"Rad" is derived from "radiation absorbed dose".

Encyclopedia Britannica

But what is "derived" from OS data?

The Guardian - Tech

This is what civilization is derived from".

The New York Times - Science

His energy is derived from kids.

The New York Times

Their income is derived from several sources.

The New York Times

Menthol is derived from mint and is also available synthetically.

The New York Times

The vaccine is derived from killed influenza viruses.

The New York Times

After all the word is derived from the Latin cathedra.

The Guardian - Arts

(The word sugar is derived from the Sanskrit sarkar).

The New York Times - Arts

This painting is derived from a Dutch newspaper clipping.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is derived from", ensure the sentence clearly identifies both the source and the resulting element to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid vague statements. Instead of saying "the idea is derived from research", specify what research the idea originates from to enhance credibility and provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is derived from" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating the origin or source of something. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it clearly shows how one thing originates or stems from another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is derived from" is a versatile and commonly used passive construction to denote the origin or source of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Used across diverse contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedias, it helps explain etymologies, influences, and foundational elements. When writing, clarity is key: always specify both the source and the result to maintain precision. While alternatives like "originates from" and "stems from" exist, "is derived from" remains a solid choice for conveying direct origination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

originates from

Changes the verb to a more active form, emphasizing the starting point.

stems from

Implies a natural growth or development from a root or source.

is rooted in

Suggests a deeply embedded origin or foundation.

is based on

Focuses on the foundation or groundwork from which something is built.

is sourced from

Highlights the place or entity from which materials or information are obtained.

is extracted from

Emphasizes the process of taking something out of a larger entity.

is developed from

Highlights a gradual process of transformation and improvement.

is descended from

Implies a lineage or hereditary connection.

is influenced by

Indicates that something has been affected or shaped by an external factor.

is a product of

Suggests that something is the result or outcome of a particular process or set of conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "is derived from" in a sentence?

Use "is derived from" to indicate the origin or source of something. For example, "The word 'algorithm' "is derived from" the name of a Persian mathematician".

What are some alternatives to "is derived from"?

You can use alternatives such as "originates from", "stems from", or "is based on" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "is derived from" or "derives from"?

"Is derived from" is in the passive voice, while "derives from" is in the active voice. Choose the voice that best suits your sentence structure and emphasis. The passive form can be useful to shift the focus to the subject rather than the source itself.

What's the difference between "is derived from" and "is inspired by"?

"Is derived from" indicates a direct origin or source, while "is inspired by" suggests that something has influenced the creation or development of something else, without being a direct source. For example, a painting "is derived from" a photograph, while another could be "is inspired by" nature.