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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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was derived

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"was derived" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about something being derived from a source or when something was traced back to its origin. For example: "The term 'social distancing' was derived from the recommended health guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Her stage name was derived from his.

This state was derived from polygamy".

News & Media

The New York Times

This map was derived from various digital database sources.

News & Media

The New Yorker

It was derived from the bark of the cinchona tree.

Our founders refused amonarchy whose power was derived from heredity.

The beat was derived from Bill Haley and the Comets.

News & Media

The New York Times

"My personal prestige was derived from success over 20 years.

News & Media

The Guardian

Traditionally that answer was derived from rankings.

News & Media

Forbes

Her statement was derived from official estimates.

News & Media

BBC

A simplified method was derived.

Lesion size was derived from mammography images.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was derived", ensure that the subject clearly identifies what originated and the source from which it originated, enhancing clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid overusing the passive voice with "was derived" if it obscures the active agent or process of derivation. Consider rephrasing to highlight who or what performed the derivation for a more direct and engaging sentence.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was derived" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject received something from a source. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, with numerous examples showcasing its use across diverse contexts. The phrase typically identifies the origin or source of a concept, method, or result.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was derived" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb construction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to indicate the origin or source of a concept, method, or piece of information. Its usage spans across scientific, news, and business contexts, lending itself to both neutral and formal communication. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying both the subject and its source, and be mindful of potential overuse of the passive voice. Alternatives such as "stemmed from" or "originated from" may offer more directness depending on the context.

FAQs

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

Use "was derived" to indicate the origin or source of something. For example, "The data "was derived" from a survey" shows the data's source.

What are some alternatives to "was derived"?

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing something that originated from somewhere?

While both are grammatically correct, active voice (e.g., "They derived the formula from the data") can be more direct. Use passive voice ("The formula "was derived" from the data") when you want to emphasize the formula itself or when the actor is unknown or unimportant.

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

"Was derived from" refers to a past event, while "is derived from" refers to something that is currently or generally derived from a source. For example, "The information "was derived" from a historical document" (past) vs. "The power "is derived from" renewable sources" (present).

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Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: