a deviation

USAGE SUMMARY

"a deviation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a departure or divergence from the usual or expected course of action or behavior. Example: "The project's success was hindered by a deviation from the original plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everything is a deviation.

The New Yorker

But first, a deviation.

Independent

Traceable cause suggests a deviation from the norm.

The New Yorker

Assassin's Creed IV's Kenway is a deviation.

The New York Times - Arts

For each ZIP Code, a deviation from this expected incidence is shown.

The New York Times

"He is not a deviation from the norm, but the norm itself".

The New York Times

Deferring to Canadians' sense of propriety, WestJet assigns seats, a deviation from Southwest.

The New York Times

Even a deviation of a quarter of a mile can make a big difference, he added.

The New York Times

It's not as if there is a deviation and you try to explain it.

The New Yorker

August 28 , 20134.00pm BST Deviation We've decided to take a deviation.

The Guardian - Travel

The museum was closed for the opening, certainly a deviation from standard museum practice.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a deviation", ensure the context clearly defines the norm or standard from which the deviation occurs. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a deviation" without establishing what is considered normal or expected. Without a clear baseline, the deviation lacks context and meaning.

Linguistic Context

A deviation functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an instance where something diverges from a standard, norm, or expected path, as evidenced by examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a deviation" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote a departure from a norm or expected standard. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse domains. Its primary function is to highlight divergence, serving a neutral register applicable in both formal and informal contexts. Alternatives like "a departure" or "a variation" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. Effective writing incorporates the phrase by clearly defining the baseline from which the deviation occurs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a departure

Emphasizes the act of moving away from a previously held position or standard.

a divergence

Highlights the act of moving in a different direction or path.

an anomaly

Focuses on the unusual or exceptional nature of the difference from the norm.

an irregularity

Points out something not conforming to rules or expectations.

a variation

Suggests a slight difference or alteration within a set of possibilities.

an aberration

Implies a departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically in a negative way.

a discrepancy

Focuses on a lack of compatibility or similarity between two or more facts.

a shift

Indicates a change in position, direction, or tendency.

a digression

Highlights a temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing.

a turning point

Emphasizes a moment when a significant change occurs.

FAQs

How can I use "a deviation" in a sentence?

You can use "a deviation" to describe a departure from an expected course, standard, or norm. For example: "The project experienced "a deviation" from its original timeline due to unforeseen circumstances."

What can I say instead of "a deviation"?

You can use alternatives like "a departure", "a variation", or "an anomaly" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "a deviation" or "the deviation"?

Both "a deviation" and "the deviation" can be correct, depending on the context. "A deviation" refers to a single instance of departing from a norm, while "the deviation" usually refers to a specific, previously mentioned or understood departure.

What's the difference between "a deviation" and "a variance"?

"A deviation" generally implies a departure from an intended course or standard, while "a variance" often refers to a statistical measure of dispersion around an average or expected value.