a deviation from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a deviation from" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it when describing a change or departure from something, typically from a standard or expected behavior or situation. Example: "The company's decision to invest in a new market was seen as a deviation from their usual conservative approach to business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Traceable cause suggests a deviation from the norm.

The New Yorker

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

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

The New York Times - Arts

Style itself represents a deviation from the ordinary.

The New York Times

Mr. Englund's book is a deviation from standard history books.

The New York Times - Books

Since it is a deviation from the norm, the extra-wide or extra-long photograph has a built-in attraction.

The New York Times - Arts

The Turkish EU minister, Ömer Çelik, described the ban as a "deviation from freedom of speech and democracy".

The Guardian

Consider how, in both circumstances, being the physical embodiment of a deviation from a norm renders these women public objects.

The Guardian - Opinion

Again, it is a deviation from the books but could serve to series well dramatically.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a deviation from", ensure the context clearly establishes the norm or standard being deviated from. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a deviation from" without clearly specifying what the expected norm or standard is. Without this context, the phrase loses its meaning and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a deviation from" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It indicates a departure or divergence from an established norm, standard, or expected behavior. Ludwig AI indicates the expression is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

48%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a deviation from" is a versatile phrase used to describe instances where something differs from an expected norm or standard. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. While the phrase itself is neutral, the specific context determines whether the deviation is viewed positively, negatively, or simply as an observation. When using this phrase, ensure that the reference point—the norm being deviated from—is clearly established. Alternatives such as "a departure from" or "a variance from" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a departure from

Focuses on the act of leaving or straying from a standard or expected path.

a divergence from

Emphasizes the act of splitting or branching off, suggesting a difference in direction or opinion.

a departure with

Highlights a different approach or method compared to the typical one.

an exception to

Indicates a specific instance that does not follow a general rule or pattern.

a variance from

Stresses the difference or degree of change from a set point or average.

a departure in

Emphasizes a shift or alteration within a particular system or context.

an anomaly in

Denotes something unusual or unexpected within a particular set of data or observations.

a digression from

Implies a temporary departure from the main topic or focus.

a contrast to

Focuses on the differences between two things, highlighting their dissimilar qualities.

an aberration from

Suggests a departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, often with negative connotations.

FAQs

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

Use "a deviation from" to describe something that differs from the norm or expected standard. For instance, "The unexpected results were a deviation from the initial hypothesis".

What phrases can I use instead of "a deviation from"?

You can use alternatives like "a departure from", "a divergence from", or "a variance from" depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to describe something as "a deviation from"?

Not necessarily. While "a deviation from" can imply something unexpected or irregular, it doesn't inherently carry a negative connotation. The context determines whether it's viewed positively, negatively, or neutrally.

What's the difference between "a deviation from" and "an exception to"?

"A deviation from" generally describes a more general shift or difference, whereas "an exception to" refers to a specific instance that doesn't follow a rule or pattern.