English UsageGrammar guide

Derivative Of: Standard Pattern

Derivative Of: Standard Pattern records the directly documented construction and keeps guidance bounded to the evidenced complement pattern rather than inventing a broader prohibition.

Quick answer

Use “a derivative of” when identifying the source form from which another form or product is developed.

Key details

Confusion Familyusage-construction
Rule Familynoun complement
Termsderivative of

Further guidance

Construction

Cambridge documents noun “derivative of” for a form or product made or developed from another form.

Style Boundary

This page records the noun construction evidenced by Cambridge; the adjective derivative and financial-derivative senses have different grammatical behavior.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. Derivative — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Direct dictionary evidence for noun “derivative of” meaning a form made or developed from another form.

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