A digression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A digression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a temporary departure from the main topic in speech or writing. Example: "While discussing the main theme of the novel, the author makes a digression about her childhood experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(A digression: Yes, the Bills are named for Bill Cody, the Browns for Paul Brown.

The New York Times - Sports

A digression: we have entered a new stage in the tax-cut debate.

The New York Times

A digression in this work indicates that he considered party strife as the principal factor in the republic's disintegration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A digression: yes, oil-for-food is the U.N.-administered program from which Saddam undoubtedly siphoned off billions.

The New York Times

A digression about sound: the noun, from the Latin sonum, means "the sensation of what we hear".

The New York Times - Magazine

(A digression for those who skipped grade-school music class or never had one: Why does the minor chord make the heart hang heavy?

The New Yorker

A digression.

HuffPost

"He is constantly digressing from his own tangent, so he's digressing from a digression".

The New York Times

"He felt like a digression that had forgotten from what it digressed" is a typical utterance here.

The New York Times - Books

But this is a digression.

The New Yorker

Can I take a digression?

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "A digression" to signal a deliberate shift in topic, providing context for the change to maintain clarity for the reader or listener.

Common error

Avoid excessive digressions, as they can distract from your main argument and confuse your audience. Ensure each digression is relevant and contributes to the overall message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "A digression" functions as a transitional device to indicate a temporary departure from the main subject. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English. It is often used to introduce related but non-essential information.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "A digression" is a grammatically sound phrase used to signal a temporary departure from the main topic. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and its usage spans across various contexts, including news, academia, and encyclopedias. While not overly common, it serves as a useful tool for writers and speakers to manage topic shifts. Be mindful of overusing it to avoid confusing your audience. Consider alternatives like "an aside" or "a tangent" based on the specific context. The phrase typically maintains a neutral register and should be used deliberately to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

An aside

Focuses on a brief departure, often less formal.

A tangent

Implies a deviation that may or may not return to the main topic.

A detour

Suggests a temporary change in direction before returning to the original path.

A departure

A more general term for moving away from the main subject.

An excursus

A more formal and detailed digression, often in academic writing.

A parenthesis

Indicates an insertion of additional information that interrupts the main flow.

A deviation

Highlights the act of straying from a set course or topic.

A tangent topic

Emphasizes the new topic introduced by the digression.

A straying from the point

Focuses on the act of moving away from the central idea.

An incidental remark

Highlights the digression as a side comment.

FAQs

How can I use "A digression" in a sentence?

You can use "A digression" to introduce a temporary departure from the main topic. For example, "Before continuing, let me offer "a digression" about the history of this term."

What's the difference between "A digression" and "An aside"?

"A digression" is a broader term for a temporary departure, while "an aside" typically refers to a brief comment or remark that is not directly related to the main topic.

What can I say instead of "A digression"?

You can use alternatives like "an aside", "a tangent", or "a detour" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "A digression"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "A digression". It serves as an introductory phrase to signal a shift in topic.