a sharp deviation from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp deviation from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant change or departure from a standard, norm, or expected outcome. Example: "The recent data shows a sharp deviation from the predicted trends, indicating a need for further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

What happened then was a sharp deviation from the norm.

The New York Times

Harry is a sharp deviation from Mr. Cooper's brooding, granite-faced stoics.

The New York Times

What made it all the more surprising was that it came as such a sharp deviation from the usual script.

BBC

Turkey's emphasis on regime change in Damascus is itself a sharp deviation from past policy.

Huffington Post

Antarctic sea ice this year took a sharp deviation from its usual yearly cycle, dropping below its usual range for over 60 days.

Huffington Post

Though such a sharp deviation from normal procedures was proposed as a compromise given the prevalence of arsenic, it certainly warrants periodic reassessments.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The jobless rate is expected to rise slightly, to 9.9percentt, but a sharp deviation could sway markets significantly.

The New York Times

Titu Maiorescu, the leading literary critic of the second half of the 19th century, spoke for the influential Conservative group Junimea (Youth) when he criticized the Romanians' sharp "deviation" from an agrarian past and ascribed to it the "contradictions" of contemporary Romanian society.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although the discharge capacity increases with increase in catalytic activity for some samples (mostly γ-MnO2) a number of samples belonging to α, β and δ-variety show sharp deviation from the above behaviour.

Electrochimica Acta

The current study using DICTRA finite difference software predicts sharp deviations from the linear zigzag diffusion paths predicted by an error function model for multiphase diffusion couples.

Acta Materialia

Any sharp downward deviation from June's lofty increases is sure to deflate home sellers' hopes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sharp deviation from", ensure that the context clearly establishes the norm or baseline from which the deviation occurs. This provides clarity and emphasizes the significance of the change.

Common error

Avoid using "deviation" and "divergence" interchangeably without considering the subtle difference. "Deviation" implies a departure from a standard or expected path, while "divergence" suggests a separation or branching out. Use "a sharp deviation from" when emphasizing a significant departure from a norm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp deviation from" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It signifies a notable departure from an established norm, standard, or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable structure.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp deviation from" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a significant departure from a standard or norm. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage and common occurrence in News & Media and Science. While the phrase is not extremely common, it appears in reliable sources and carries a neutral to formal register. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the baseline from which the deviation occurs to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a marked departure from

Emphasizes the act of leaving or diverging from a usual course or standard, highlighting the change itself.

a significant divergence from

Highlights the separation and difference that occurs as a result of moving in different directions.

a drastic alteration from

Focuses on the extreme change or modification involved, stressing the extent of the transformation.

a radical shift from

Indicates a fundamental and abrupt change in direction or approach, suggesting a complete transformation.

a striking variance from

Emphasizes the noticeable and distinct difference from what is considered normal or expected.

a noticeable digression from

Focuses on the act of straying or wandering away from a main topic or course, suggesting a temporary departure.

a substantial modification of

Highlights the significant changes made to something, indicating a considerable alteration in form or function.

a major transformation of

Stresses the extensive and profound change in the form, nature, or appearance of something.

an extreme variation on

Indicates a form of something that differs significantly from the original, pushing it to an extreme.

a pronounced alteration in

Emphasizes that the change is very noticeable or obvious, making it hard to ignore.

FAQs

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

Use "a sharp deviation from" to describe a significant departure from an established norm, trend, or expectation. For example: "The company's profits showed "a sharp deviation from" the previous year's results."

What are some alternatives to "a sharp deviation from"?

You can use alternatives like "a marked departure from", "a significant divergence from", or "a drastic alteration from" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a sharp deviation from"?

It is appropriate to use "a sharp deviation from" when you want to emphasize a notable and unexpected departure from an established pattern or standard. This phrase is useful in both formal and informal contexts to highlight a significant change.

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

"A slight deviation from" indicates a minor or subtle difference from the norm, while "a sharp deviation from" signifies a significant and noticeable departure. The choice depends on the magnitude of the change you want to emphasize.