a small deviation from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small deviation from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a slight variation or shift from a certain state. For example, "The results of the experiment showed a small deviation from our original expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

For the smallest scale, the effect of a small deviation from geometric similarity was also investigated.

Chemical Engineering Science

A small deviation from a simple additive function is observed with very high-LET iron ions combined to X-rays.

Advances in Space Research

Abnormal grains adjacent to the holes with a small deviation from one of the low-index orientation relationships were observed.

Acta Materialia

The evolution of cell structures with strain amplitude at 650 °C resulted in a small deviation from Masing behavior.

International Journal of Fatigue

In private, they argue that a small deviation from German stringency would be acceptable if doing so promoted stability and improved overall European monetary discipline.

Columbia University

It has been demonstrate that a small deviation from the optimum operating condition of the ejector lower the performances of the whole system.

Applied Thermal Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

The counterflow arrangement is recommended because it maintains a smaller deviation from the peak power output than a co-flow arrangement at their respective optimal design areas if there is sufficient system space.

Energy

Overall, HAAD has the ability to place H-atoms with a smaller deviation from their positions in the experimentally solved high-resolution structures than other programs.

Plosone

Furthermore, for teams below the average a smaller deviation from the pre-season expectation may be sufficient to dismiss the coach as compared to better teams where typically a larger deviation is required.

Plosone

A smaller variance indicates a smaller deviation from the strict molecular clock, since rates of change are similar across branches.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

For the SSR markers, the observed P values obtained with the QK and K model showed in comparison to the ANOVA and the Q model a smaller deviation from the uniform distribution.

BMC Plant Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a small deviation from", ensure that the context clearly establishes the baseline from which the deviation occurs. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a small deviation from" when the actual difference is significant. Overstating the minuteness can mislead your audience and undermine the credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small deviation from" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to describe the extent of difference or change from a reference point. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small deviation from" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, predominantly within scientific, academic, and journalistic contexts. It signifies a minor alteration or difference from a specified baseline, underscoring its limited impact. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct, and its appropriate usage involves ensuring clarity in establishing the reference point from which the deviation occurs. While adaptable across various registers, it's most fitting for neutral to formal communication, cautioning against its application when significant differences are at play.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight departure from

Emphasizes the act of moving away from something, highlighting the change rather than the magnitude.

a minor variation from

Focuses on the difference as being a variant of the original, rather than a complete change.

a marginal difference from

Highlights the insignificance of the difference, suggesting it is barely noticeable.

a negligible alteration from

Emphasizes that the change is so small it's almost not worth considering.

a fractional shift from

Suggests a movement or adjustment, but only to a tiny degree.

a modest divergence from

Implies a branching out or separation, but in a limited way.

a limited digression from

Highlights the temporary nature of straying away and the small degree of it.

a hairline distinction from

Focuses on how fine or subtle the difference is to perceive.

a delicate divergence from

Underlines the careful or precise nature of the difference.

a subtle alteration from

Points out the difficulty someone might have noticing the difference.

FAQs

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

Use "a small deviation from" to indicate a minor difference or departure from an established standard, expectation, or norm. For example, "The experimental results showed "a small deviation from" the predicted values".

What's the difference between "a small deviation from" and "a significant deviation from"?

"A small deviation from" indicates a minor or negligible difference, while "a significant deviation from" implies a substantial and noteworthy difference. The choice depends on the magnitude of the variance you want to emphasize.

Are there contexts where I shouldn't use "a small deviation from"?

Avoid using "a small deviation from" when describing critical errors or outcomes that have major consequences, as this can downplay the seriousness of the situation. Opt for stronger terms like "major discrepancy" or "substantial alteration" in such cases.

What can I say instead of "a small deviation from"?

You can use alternatives like "a slight departure from", "a minor variation from", or "a marginal difference from" depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.