as a distraction

USAGE SUMMARY

"as a distraction" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to introduce a reason or purpose for an action or behavior. For example: - She turned on some soothing music as a distraction from her worries. - He joined the soccer team as a distraction from his stress at work. - I went for a walk as a distraction from my overwhelming to-do list.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That qualified as a distraction.

The New York Times - Sports

This definitely worked as a distraction.

The Guardian

She shouldn't be used as a distraction.

The New Yorker

St. Barnabas dismisses the controversy as a distraction.

The New York Times

Some are criticising this parallel body as a distraction.

The Economist

Instead, he characterizes reform efforts as a distraction.

The New Yorker

As a distraction, I threw myself into my research.

The New York Times

Cherney's lawyers branded the claims as a distraction.

The Guardian

Surely the screaming would have served as a distraction?

The Guardian - Film

Schaefer added: "It's pretty much dismissed as a distraction.

The Guardian

"I see it as a distraction," Mr. Branch said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a distraction", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being distracted from. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "as a distraction" when you actually mean "as a solution" or "as a focus". A distraction temporarily shifts attention, but doesn't resolve the underlying issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a distraction" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb by indicating the purpose or reason for an action. Ludwig shows this use in sentences like "I threw myself into my research as a distraction" or "One remedy is to use sound as a distraction."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

20%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a distraction" serves to explain the purpose of an action aimed at diverting attention, often from something negative. Ludwig AI validates that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is frequently found in news and media, as well as in scientific and general contexts. While versatile, it is important to ensure that its usage accurately reflects the intent to divert attention rather than to provide a solution. Remember that more precise alternatives may be available depending on context, and that, if misused, the expression may carry negative connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to divert attention

Focuses on the act of diverting, emphasizing the intention behind the action.

to provide a diversion

More formal and directly states the act of providing something that distracts.

as a means of diversion

Slightly more formal way of expressing the use of something as a means to distract.

to take one's mind off

Highlights the psychological aspect of shifting focus away from something unpleasant.

to misdirect attention

Highlights the act of intentionally guiding attention in the wrong direction.

to draw attention away from

Focuses on redirecting attention from a specific subject.

as a form of escapism

Emphasizes the act of seeking refuge from reality.

as a red herring

Refers to something misleading that distracts from the relevant issue.

to create a smokescreen

Implies a deliberate attempt to conceal something behind a distraction.

to throw off the scent

Idiomatic phrase suggesting a strategic misdirection.

FAQs

How can I use "as a distraction" in a sentence?

You can use "as a distraction" to explain why someone is doing something to take their mind off a problem or situation. For instance, "She started painting as a distraction from her worries".

What are some alternatives to "as a distraction"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "to divert attention", "to take one's mind off", or "as a form of escapism".

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

Yes, "as a distraction" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when explaining motivations or strategies. However, consider whether a more precise term like "to provide a diversion" might be more suitable.

Can "as a distraction" have negative connotations?

Yes, if the distraction is used to avoid dealing with important issues or to deceive others, it can be perceived negatively. Using phrases like "to create a smokescreen" or "as a red herring" suggests a manipulative intent.