a small detour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small detour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a minor deviation from a planned route or course of action. Example: "We took a small detour to enjoy the scenic views along the way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

A small detour takes us to them.

The Guardian - Travel

This vehicular exploration is a fascinating read, by the way, and worth a small detour.

The New York Times

And if people question your pregnancy at your advanced age (oh, to be 35 again!), just take a small detour.

The New York Times

On Broadway, some workers struggled through taunting crowds, but most opted to make a small detour onto the street.

The New York Times

That afternoon we took a small detour to explore the nearby remains of the smallest diocese in medieval Ireland.

The New York Times - Travel

I don't need custody.' " Walking me to the subway, Joseph and Nalia made a small detour to point out Daniel's house, a tall, stately brick house, now rented.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

There was one small detour: my map showed a place called Foggy Bottom - and I had to see what a foggy bottom looked like.

The Guardian

My apologies but I will make a small technical detour into the details of iron- and steel-making.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, we must first take a small technical detour into piecewise linear embeddings.

Discrete and Computational Geometry

Most people who hike the trail take small detour to Frame Arch, Cannon said, as it provides a beautiful vantage for the majestic Delicate Arch, as if looking through a window frame.

Huffington Post

I'm looking forward to continuing my career as a computational biologist, but perhaps in the near future I'll make another small "detour" if other interesting questions come along.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small detour" to indicate a planned or accepted deviation, often implying a positive or neutral outcome. It suggests the change is not substantial or disruptive.

Common error

Avoid using "a small detour" when the deviation is actually significant or unexpected, as this can mislead the reader. Choose a more appropriate term if the detour has major consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small detour" functions as a noun phrase, with "small" acting as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "detour". It typically identifies a minor deviation from a planned route or activity. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Travel

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small detour" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a minor deviation from a planned route or course of action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Travel contexts, conveying a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the detour is indeed minor, preventing misrepresentation. For alternatives, consider "a slight deviation" or "a minor diversion" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a little detour

Uses "little" instead of "small" for a more informal tone, yet conveying the same meaning.

a slight deviation

Focuses on the act of deviating slightly from a path or plan.

a minor diversion

Emphasizes the diversion aspect, highlighting it as small and insignificant.

a brief digression

Highlights the temporary nature of the deviation, suggesting it's short and doesn't stray too far from the main point.

a quick sidetrack

Suggests a rapid change of course, often unplanned, but easily reversible.

a minor adjustment

Highlights that a very small change of direction is being made.

a short meander

Implies a pleasant, leisurely deviation that isn't strictly necessary.

a temporary alteration

Stresses the temporary aspect of changing the original plan or path.

a fractional shift

Emphasizes the extremely small nature of the deviation, suggesting a tiny change.

a negligible change of course

Highlights that the change in route is insignificant and barely noticeable.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small detour" to describe a minor change in a journey or plan, such as, "We took "a small detour" to visit the museum".

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

You can use alternatives like "a slight deviation", "a minor diversion", or "a brief digression" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify the size of a detour?

No, it's not always necessary. However, using "a small detour" clarifies that the change is not substantial, providing more context to the reader or listener.

What's the difference between "a small detour" and "a major detour"?

"A small detour" implies a minor and often inconsequential change, while "a major detour" suggests a significant change that can substantially impact the original plan or route.