it was derived from

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was derived from" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to connect two ideas or topics that have a logical connection, indicating that one was taken from the other. For example: The concept of entropy was derived from thermodynamics.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But its origin is unique: It was derived from healthy older people who may have some natural resistance to Alzheimer's disease, Salloway says.

Science Magazine

Another popular variety noted for its quality was C4-63, and it was derived from the cross Peta/BPI-76.

Rice

Mr. Geller deflected complaints from building officials about its unusual A-frame design, saying it was derived from local potato barns.

The New York Times

It was derived from earlier gittern or rebec models and acquired its name in the 16th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was derived from the bark of the cinchona tree.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was derived from an earlier system, called Omnivore, that captured most of the Internet traffic coursing through a network.

The New York Times - Tech

It was derived from a popular movie of the day called "The Blue Dahlia," starring Veronica Lake and Alan Ladd.

The New York Times

It was derived from collodion, that is, nitrocellulose (gun cotton) dissolved in alcohol and dried.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The sound was always present in English, where it was derived from Indo-European.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was derived from ancient melodies and then codified by a famous composer named Gomidas from the late 1800's who'd studied classical music in Germany.

The New York Times

The provenance of the term hof seems uncertain; an acquaintance said it was derived from a Korean mispronunciation of hops, the ingredient that adds bitterness to beer.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was derived from" to clearly indicate the origin or source of something, especially when describing concepts, methods, or products that have evolved from earlier forms. For instance, "The modern car design was derived from early 20th-century models".

Common error

Avoid using "it was derived from" when active voice is more appropriate and direct. For example, instead of "The idea was derived from his research", consider "His research inspired the idea" for a more impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was derived from" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating the origin or source of a subject. As Ludwig AI points out, it connects two ideas by establishing that one is based on the other. This highlights the relationship between a subject and its antecedent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

24%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was derived from" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction that indicates the origin or source of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and highlights its role in connecting related ideas. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, this phrase serves to explain how a concept, method, or product originated. While generally neutral to formal, considering direct active alternatives can sometimes enhance clarity and impact. Remember to use this phrase to show the source of something in a clear and structured way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it originated from

Changes the verb to "originated" to emphasize the beginning or starting point.

it stemmed from

Replaces "derived" with "stemmed" to suggest a natural development or consequence.

it was sourced from

Focuses on the source or origin of the subject.

it was created from

Emphasizes the act of creation or making something from a particular source.

it was developed from

Highlights the process of gradual improvement or evolution from an initial state.

it evolved from

Suggests a gradual change and development over time.

it is based on

Indicates a foundation or starting point for further development.

it is rooted in

Implies a deep connection or origin in something else.

it is descended from

Used to show lineage or ancestry.

it is extracted from

Focuses on the process of taking something out of a larger source.

FAQs

How can I use "it was derived from" in a sentence?

Use "it was derived from" to show the origin or source of something. For example, "The algorithm "it was derived from" a mathematical formula".

What can I say instead of "it was derived from"?

You can use alternatives like "it originated from", "it stemmed from", or "it was based on depending on the context.

What is the difference between "it was derived from" and "it was inspired by"?

"It was derived from" indicates a direct lineage or source, while "it was inspired by" suggests a more indirect influence. Something derived from something else is directly based on it, whereas inspiration is a source of creative ideas.

Is "it was derived from" formal or informal?

"It was derived from" is generally considered neutral to formal and is appropriate for academic, professional, and news contexts. More informal alternatives might be "it came from".