to derive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to derive" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the source or origin of something, or to explain where something comes from. Example: The scientist was able to derive the formula for the new medication from her extensive research. In this sentence, "to derive" is used to show that the scientist obtained or discovered the formula from her research. It could also be rephrased as "The scientist was able to determine the formula for the new medication through her extensive research."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sherpa model used to derive spectral weighting.

Harvard University

That probability, and I'm not going to derive this, but it's simple to derive, actually.

Yale University

It seeks to derive certain common structures from that everydayness.

The Guardian - Opinion

The password is then used to derive a decryption key.

The New York Times - Tech

Common NOEs are utilized to derive missing TOCSY-based assignments.

Nature

Taylor examined iron workers individually to derive generalizable insights.

Harvard Business Review

Sherpa model parameters used to derive spectral weighting.

Harvard University

There's no point in attempting to derive it.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

LCA was used to derive empirical classification at baseline.

Stanford University

"How to derive a spectrum from an RGB triplet".

Stanford University

Q-values were used to derive estimates of microvessel density.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to derive", ensure the context clearly indicates the source and the resulting outcome. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the logical flow of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "to derive" when you specifically mean to deduce something through logical reasoning. "To derive" implies obtaining or originating, whereas deduction is a specific type of inference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to derive" functions primarily as an infinitive of purpose. It indicates the intention or aim behind an action, often related to obtaining information, creating something new, or understanding origins. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

Academia

30%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to derive" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the source, origin, or process of obtaining something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides a wealth of examples across diverse contexts, including science, academia, and news media. While the phrase is generally appropriate for neutral to formal registers, it's crucial to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning, especially distinguishing it from similar terms like "deduce". Leveraging this knowledge will enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to obtain

Focuses on the act of getting or acquiring something, emphasizing the result more than the process.

to infer

Highlights the reasoning or deduction process involved in reaching a conclusion.

to deduce

Similar to infer, but often implies a more formal or logical method of reasoning.

to originate

Emphasizes the starting point or source from which something comes.

to ascertain

Focuses on discovering something with certainty, often through investigation.

to determine

Highlights the process of finding something out definitively, often after some calculation or consideration.

to extract

Implies carefully removing or drawing something out from a larger whole.

to evolve

Highlights the process of development and change over time.

to extrapolate

Refers to estimating or concluding something by extending existing data or trends.

to work out

Suggests finding a solution or answer to a problem through effort and thought.

FAQs

How can I use "to derive" in a sentence?

You can use "to derive" to show the origin or source of something, as in, "The formula was derived from experimental data", or "The word 'derive' is derived from Latin."

What can I say instead of "to derive"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "to obtain", "to infer", "to deduce", or "to originate".

Is it correct to say "derive at a conclusion"?

While not incorrect, it's more common and grammatically standard to say "arrive at a conclusion" or "deduce a conclusion". Using "derive" in this context might sound slightly awkward to some readers.

What's the difference between "to derive" and "to deduce"?

"To derive" generally means to obtain or get something from a source, while "to deduce" specifically means to reach a conclusion through logical reasoning. For example, you might derive pleasure from a hobby, but you would deduce the answer to a puzzle.