a sharp detour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp detour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden or significant change in direction or course, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The project took a sharp detour when the funding was unexpectedly cut."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But then it takes a sharp detour.

The New York Times

But over the next two Saturdays, the festival will take a sharp detour when it presents six Latin jazz acts.

The New York Times

While discussing incentives for education and public service, she took a sharp detour into trade policy and vowed to get tough with oil-producing nations before circling back to preschool programs.

The New York Times

There is, however, a condo on East 62nd Street, just a few steps from Fifth Avenue, where the board takes a sharp detour from the usual composition, veering off into the Las Vegas sunset and coming back with a microphone in one hand and a joke about nose jobs in the other.

The New York Times

Last week, while in West Virginia for a roundtable discussion, President Donald Trump made a sharp detour from his scheduled remarks on taxes to rail against alleged voter fraud in elections.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Possum, Holness' directorial debut, could scarcely represent a sharper detour from his early work.

Vice

Mr. Bush's success thus far belies the predictions of many Republican strategists, and many backers of Vice President Al Gore, who said the Texas governor would trigger an outcry if he returned to the more moderate path he had scrupulously followed throughout 1999 before his sharp detour to the right -- symbolized by his appearance at Bob Jones University -- in late February.

The New York Times

Enfield has a knack for taking sharp detours whenever he talks to his team.

The New York Times - Sports

Mark Sanchez will be in uniform for the Jets on Sunday, but only as a figurehead quarterback, stripped of his essential duties, left to chart plays on a clipboard and ponder where his career took its sharpest detour.

The New York Times - Sports

At the same time, he was trying to fend off his angry band mates — among them his two brothers, Carl and Dennis, and his cousin Mike Love — who saw "Smile" as too sharp a detour from the surf and hot-rod songs that had made them rich.

The New York Times - Books

A sharp whistle.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp detour" to describe a sudden and significant change in plans, direction, or topic. It adds emphasis to the unexpected nature of the shift.

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp detour" when you simply mean a delay. A detour implies a change in direction, not just a pause or slowdown.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp detour" functions as a noun phrase where "sharp" modifies "detour", adding emphasis to the sudden and significant nature of the deviation. This is seen in Ludwig's examples, where it describes shifts in conversation, plans, or routes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp detour" is a phrase used to describe a sudden and significant change in direction, plans, or topic. As Ludwig AI pointed out, the phrase is grammatically correct. While the examples show a stronger presence in "News & Media", it can be used in various contexts to emphasize the unexpected nature of the shift. When employing this phrase, remember to consider the nuance between a simple delay and a true change in course, ensuring your language remains precise and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sudden deviation

Emphasizes the abruptness of the change, focusing on the act of deviating from the original path.

an abrupt turn

Highlights the suddenness and change of direction, often implying a quick alteration.

a drastic shift

Indicates a significant and forceful change in direction or strategy.

a marked departure

Suggests a noticeable and significant divergence from the expected or usual course.

an unexpected twist

Focuses on the element of surprise and unpredictability in the change.

a major digression

Implies a significant departure from the main topic or plan, often temporary.

a stark divergence

Emphasizes the distinct and clear difference from the original path or plan.

a surprising swerve

Highlights the unexpected nature of the change in direction, like a car veering suddenly.

a radical redirection

Suggests a fundamental change in course, often implying a complete alteration of plans.

a complete turnaround

Indicates a reversal of opinion, attitude, or situation, suggesting a 180-degree change.

FAQs

How can I use "a sharp detour" in a sentence?

You can use "a sharp detour" to describe a sudden change in plans or direction. For example, "The conversation took "a sharp detour" when she mentioned her ex-husband."

What's the difference between "a sharp detour" and "a slight detour"?

"A sharp detour" implies a significant and noticeable change, while "a slight detour" indicates a minor deviation from the original course.

What can I say instead of "a sharp detour"?

Alternatives include "a sudden deviation", "an abrupt turn", or "a drastic shift", depending on the context.

Is "a sharp detour" formal or informal language?

"A sharp detour" is generally considered neutral language and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.