a slight detour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight detour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a minor change in direction or plan, often implying that the change is temporary or not significant. Example: "We took a slight detour on our road trip to enjoy the scenic views along the way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

So she took a slight detour.

The New York Times - Sports

We took a slight detour.

The Guardian

After the closing, there will be what Caltrans calls "a slight detour" after the toll plaza.

The New York Times

Make a slight detour to woozily scroll through Twitter for five minutes, while standing in the middle of the sidewalk.

The New Yorker

And so I want to take a slight detour from tradition on this State of the Union night.

The New York Times

A slight detour off Route 49 at Bear Valley takes you to Mariposa via the ghost town of Hornitos.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Trump, of course, will not disband it, and his failure to do so will be the clearest evidence (if any is needed) that there was no pivot last week, but at most a very slight detour on the road to an electoral future of Republican dominance.

The New Yorker

Slight detour, nothing does a better job of letting a girl know "it's not that serious" than pulling out an NYC Condom and strapping that shit on.

Vice

Updated at 8.45pm BST 8.10pm BST We've taken a slight scenic detour.

The Guardian - Travel

This slight detour into the miniseries world is a good call.

Huffington Post

A number of country roads in this area lead to modest coastal coves and seafood restaurants along Baffin Bay, one of which, King's Inn (Loyola Beach, Route 1, Riviera, 361-297-5265), is worthethe slight detour south at lunchtime.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a slight detour" to indicate a planned or unplanned deviation that doesn't significantly alter the overall course or goal. This suggests flexibility and adaptability without losing sight of the primary objective.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight detour" when the deviation is substantial or fundamentally changes the direction of the plan. This phrase is best reserved for truly minor alterations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight detour" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to a minor deviation from a planned route or course of action, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Travel

13%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a slight detour" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a minor deviation from a planned route or course of action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, travel writing, and scientific publications. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "a slight detour", it's important to ensure that the deviation is indeed minor to avoid misrepresentation. Alternatives such as "a minor diversion" or "a small deviation" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor diversion

Focuses on the act of diverting or turning aside, emphasizing the change in direction.

a small deviation

Highlights the act of deviating from a standard or norm, underscoring the variation.

a brief digression

Emphasizes the temporary departure from the main subject or course.

a short sidetrip

Implies a small trip taken in addition to the main journey.

a quick detour

Focuses on the speed and brevity of the detour.

a little detour

Indicates a detour that is small in scope or distance.

a momentary digression

Highlights the briefness of the departure.

a small change of course

Focuses on the alteration of the intended path or direction.

a fractional diversion

Emphasizes the slight or minimal nature of the diversion.

a mere deviation

Implies that the deviation is insignificant or unimportant.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slight detour" to describe a minor change in plans or direction, as in "We took "a slight detour" to visit the museum on our way home".

What's the difference between "a slight detour" and "a major change of plans"?

"A slight detour" implies a small, often temporary deviation, while "a major change of plans" suggests a significant alteration that can impact the overall outcome.

What can I say instead of "a slight detour" when discussing a project?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a minor adjustment", "a small deviation", or "a brief digression".

Is it appropriate to use "a slight detour" in formal writing?

Yes, "a slight detour" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, as it is a common and well-understood phrase. However, consider alternatives like "a minor deviation" for a more formal tone.