a significant deviation

USAGE SUMMARY

"a significant deviation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to describe a large discrepancy between two measurements or theories, for example: "The results of the experiment showed a significant deviation from the expected outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Last month it delivered a plan to fight climate change, pledging a "significant deviation" in emissions, but was the last G20 country to submit its offer to the United Nations, and analysts described the targets as opaque.

The Guardian

In the letter, Lucas says the change is a "significant deviation" on the cost of the project and that there is a "strong case" for a revised estimate to be put before parliament.

The Guardian

For Mr. McCall and Mr. Pataki, the poll shows no change from three weeks ago and, statistically, is not a significant deviation from a Quinnipiac University poll released last week.

The New York Times

A significant deviation was observed only for fluoride ions.

Electrochimica Acta

A significant deviation is observed when the PEG blocks are still in a semicrystalline state.

Polymer

Physical and mechanical properties indicated a significant deviation from the behavior shown by conventional concrete.

Construction and Building Materials

However, there was a significant deviation between the two sample series for d WO3 < 3 nm.

Nanoscale Research Letters

A significant deviation in the 3D overgrowth kinetics is observed as compared to 2D.

Geothermal Energy

At higher concentrations, there is a significant deviation from this behavior and this deviation increases with the increase of δ.

Acta Materialia

However, the throughput dependence of α shows a significant deviation from that of the Newtonian one-phase system.

Chemical Engineering Science

A comparison with the scaling laws of Gibson and Ashby revealed a significant deviation for the yield stress.

Acta Materialia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant deviation", ensure you quantify the deviation or explain its impact to provide context for the reader. For example, specify the percentage change or the consequences of the deviation.

Common error

Avoid stating there is "a significant deviation" without specifying what the deviation is from or its implications. Always provide a clear reference point and the effect of the deviation to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant deviation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a noticeable and important departure from a standard, norm, or expected value. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

84%

News & Media

13%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant deviation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that denotes a noticeable and important difference or departure. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is appropriate for formal contexts, particularly within scientific and technical fields. The phrase's usage is characterized by its emphasis on meaningful differences, requiring contextualization to specify the reference point and the impact of the deviation. Related phrases, such as ""a noteworthy deviation"" or ""a substantial variation"", offer alternative ways to convey the same concept with subtle variations in intensity or focus. Using "a significant deviation" effectively involves providing context and quantifying the deviation whenever possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a noteworthy deviation

Emphasizes the importance or visibility of the deviation.

a marked difference

Focuses on the difference being clear and easily observed.

a substantial variation

Highlights that the change is considerable in amount or degree.

a considerable disparity

Indicates a large difference, often suggesting inequality.

a noticeable discrepancy

Highlights that the inconsistency is easy to detect.

a substantial departure

Stresses that it represents a notable shift from the original course or method.

a major alteration

Focuses on the change being critical or of great importance.

a distinct divergence

Emphasizes that the change is clear and separate from an earlier course.

a considerable fluctuation

Indicates an irregular rising and falling in number or amount.

a pronounced shift

Emphasizes that the transition is prominent and easily identified.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant deviation" to describe a noticeable difference or departure from an expected value, norm, or trend. For example: "The experimental results showed "a significant deviation" from the theoretical predictions."

What's a good alternative to "a significant deviation"?

Alternatives include "a noteworthy deviation", "a marked difference", or "a substantial variation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a significant deviation" formal or informal?

"A significant deviation" is suitable for formal and semi-formal contexts. For informal settings, you might choose a simpler phrase like "a big difference".

What is the difference between "a significant deviation" and "a slight deviation"?

"A significant deviation" implies a large, important difference, while "a slight deviation" indicates a small, less important difference. The choice depends on the magnitude of the difference you are describing.