as a digression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a digression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that you are temporarily deviating from the main topic of discussion. Example: "As a digression, I would like to share a personal story that relates to our current topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Marshall lit a cigarette, leaned back, and began what at first struck me as a digression.

The New Yorker

But in this novel there is no such thing as a digression.

The Guardian - Books

As a digression, I thought of the California composer Terry Riley.

The New York Times

After the 996, which some viewed as a digression from Porsche's heritage, it is hard not to see the 997 as a return to the company's core values.

The New York Times

As a digression from our main theme, and since recursively presented groups are mentioned in Appendix A, we formulate one more question, which is in some sense dual to Question 1.1.

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

To begin, and possibly as a digression, the tone of the opening anecdote is something I personally experience when speaking with conservatives, and just as a reminder, unlike Stephens' son, I'm not ten years old.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

I saw the whole thing as a big digression, but David Essex took me aside and said: 'Too late, mate, they're not going to let you stop now.' And hey, who doesn't want to be number one if you come from Liverpool 8?" From every stage they played, on every radio set and in every discotheque across the world, there was only one Amoo brothers song the greater public wanted to hear.

The Guardian - Music

The answer to this question, at least for Cichla, is a qualified 'yes.' When considering the borders of shared gene pools, as we did with the molecular data, introgression usually appeared as a distinct digression from patterns of exclusive co-ancestry, whereas gene exchange among conspecifics appeared as homogenous genetic clusters or broad regions of admixture between subpopulations.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Or, as he suggested later in a digression on poverty in India, go through life with the indignity of not having a toilet.

The Guardian

A digression in this work indicates that he considered party strife as the principal factor in the republic's disintegration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But this is a digression.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a digression" to smoothly signal to your reader or listener that you're about to temporarily veer off the main path. This helps them follow your thought process without getting lost.

Common error

Be mindful not to overuse digressions. Frequent and lengthy digressions can confuse your audience and weaken your overall message. Keep digressions brief and relevant to the main topic whenever possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a digression" functions as a transitional phrase, specifically a prepositional phrase functioning as an adverbial phrase. It introduces a temporary shift away from the main subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

14%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a digression" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase for signaling a temporary departure from the main topic. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and applicability in diverse contexts. While its frequency is uncommon, it effectively prepares the audience for a related but not strictly essential point. It's most frequently found in news and media sources, followed by scientific and Wiki sources. To ensure clear and engaging communication, use "as a digression" mindfully, keeping diversions brief and relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a side note

This alternative is less formal and implies a brief, often tangential, addition to the main topic.

incidentally

This single word conveys the sense of introducing something related but not essential to the main point.

by the way

This phrase signals a shift to a related but not directly relevant topic, often used in conversation.

parenthetically speaking

This is a more formal way to indicate that what follows is a parenthetical remark.

on a slightly different note

This signals a topic shift that maintains some connection but isn't a direct continuation.

as an aside

This alternative suggests a brief departure from the main topic to share a related thought.

in passing

This indicates a brief and casual mention of something related to the main subject.

to digress for a moment

This is a more direct and self-aware way of acknowledging a deviation from the main topic.

on another subject

This signals a clear shift to a different topic, though potentially still related.

turning to another matter

Similar to "on another subject", it indicates a deliberate shift in focus.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "as a digression" in writing?

Use "as a digression" to smoothly transition into a related, but not strictly necessary, point. It signals a temporary departure and helps maintain clarity for your audience. Ensure the digression remains relevant and brief.

What are some alternatives to "as a digression"?

You can use alternatives like "as a side note", "by the way", or "incidentally" to introduce a related but tangential point.

Is it appropriate to use "as a digression" in formal writing?

Yes, "as a digression" is suitable for formal writing, but consider more formal alternatives like "parenthetically speaking" if the context requires it. Ensure the digression adds value and doesn't detract from the main argument.

How can I avoid misusing "as a digression"?

Avoid lengthy, unrelated digressions that disrupt the flow of your writing. Use "as a digression" sparingly and ensure that the digression is relevant to the overall topic, even if only tangentially.