be diverted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be diverted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of being redirected or distracted from a particular course or focus. Example: "During the meeting, we may be diverted by unexpected topics that arise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

cannot be diverted.

The New York Times

Their planes would be diverted to Cambodia.

The New York Times

The bombs would likely be diverted".

The New Yorker

Giggling, they allowed themselves to be diverted.

The New York Times

Traffic will be diverted to Route 46.

The New York Times

Roughly two percentage points would be diverted.

The New York Times

that way, your attention will be diverted into something.

Harvard University

A little could be diverted to palliative care.

The Economist

You and I, however, will not be diverted.

The New York Times

It was to be diverted to the Middle East.

The Economist

A natural result of this would be diverted business".

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid ambiguity, clearly indicate what is being diverted and to where: "Money spent on energy subsidies could also be diverted into renewable energy projects."

Common error

Avoid using "be diverted" without specifying the destination or new focus. For example, instead of saying "Attention may be diverted", specify what the attention is diverted to: "Attention may be diverted to the emerging crisis".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be diverted" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that something is having its course or direction changed by an external force. As shown by Ludwig, it's commonly used to describe the redirection of traffic, funds, or attention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Academia

9%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be diverted" is a common and grammatically correct passive verb construction, primarily used to indicate that something is being redirected or having its course changed. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity. It appears most frequently in News & Media, but also in Academic and Science contexts, and its general register is neutral, meaning it’s suitable for various audiences. When using "be diverted", it’s best practice to clearly specify what is being diverted and to where, avoiding vague statements. Alternative phrases include "be redirected" and "be rerouted", each carrying slightly different nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be redirected

Focuses on a change of direction, often physical, but can also be abstract.

be rerouted

Specifically implies a change in route, often used for travel or transportation.

be deflected

Suggests a sudden change in direction due to an obstacle or force.

be sidetracked

Implies being drawn away from the main topic or task.

be distracted

Focuses on a loss of focus or attention.

be turned aside

Indicates a deliberate act of changing direction or avoiding something.

be reallocated

Specifically refers to resources or funds being assigned to a different purpose.

be detoured

Often used in the context of travel, indicating a temporary change in route.

be switched

Focuses on a change or exchange from one thing to another.

have attention drawn

Emphasizes the attraction of attention to something else, leading to a change of focus.

FAQs

How can I use "be diverted" in a sentence?

The phrase "be diverted" indicates a change in direction or focus. For instance, "Traffic will be diverted due to road construction", or "Attention may be diverted by the speaker's charisma".

What are some alternatives to "be diverted"?

You can use alternatives such as "be redirected", "be rerouted", or "be sidetracked" depending on the specific context.

What does it mean when something is "be diverted"?

When something is "be diverted", it means it is turned from one course or use to another, often unexpectedly or intentionally. It suggests a change in direction, path, or focus.

Is there a difference between "be diverted" and "be distracted"?

While both suggest a change of focus, "be diverted" implies a more deliberate or imposed change, whereas "be distracted" suggests a loss of focus due to external stimuli. Diversion can be planned, while distraction is generally not.