conspicuous departure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conspicuous departure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a noticeable or significant change or deviation from a norm or expectation. Example: "The company's decision to shift its focus from traditional marketing to digital strategies marked a conspicuous departure from its previous practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

And by "man," Lee indeed means "male": his most conspicuous departure from Gunn is his casting of a character from the earlier film — a young, vibrant, and blatantly sexual man who attends a dinner party (and whose sexual endowment is built into the story) — as an actress, one of Hess's former lovers.

The New Yorker

Mr. Bloomberg's efforts are a conspicuous departure from those of Rudolph W. Giuliani, who even derided New York legislators for trying to eke more money out of a recalcitrant Congress, saying in the weeks before he left office that New York did not need it.

The New York Times

A conspicuous departure from the generally increasing trend occurred at around 1000 years ago, where BCHAR declines abruptly (< 0.1 pieces/cm2/year), before resuming an increasing trajectory.

Forest Ecosystems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Parts of it mark a conspicuous but inevitable departure from the traditions of American government, and will disgust old-time Democrats.

The Economist

The examples chosen in this thumbnail anthology are ones that are conspicuous in their departure from events that are possible, but so much of what the cinema offers as replicas of the ordinary is the work of special effects.

The New Yorker

In all of Cashman's topspin and dropspin in trying to explain Pettitte's departure during a conference call with reporters yesterday in the principal owner's conspicuous absence, the general manager's most telling words were: "I'm glad he's in the National League.

The New York Times - Sports

Not conspicuous?

The New York Times

Too conspicuous.

The New York Times

departure ever.

The New Yorker

A conspicuous disparity persists.

The New Yorker

Conspicuous consumption is out.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conspicuous departure" to emphasize a noticeable and deliberate change from a previous norm or standard. It is particularly effective when highlighting a strategic or philosophical shift.

Common error

Avoid using "conspicuous departure" to describe trivial or insignificant changes. This phrase is best reserved for substantial deviations that have a clear impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conspicuous departure" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a noticeable or significant deviation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, especially to highlight intentional changes.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conspicuous departure" is a noun phrase used to describe a noticeable and significant deviation from a norm or expectation. While not extremely common, as indicated by Ludwig's analysis, it is grammatically correct and effectively communicates a clear and intentional change. Ludwig AI indicates it’s a valid and usable phrase. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, highlighting policy shifts or strategic changes. Alternatives such as "noticeable deviation" or "striking contrast" can be used for variety, but the key is to reserve "conspicuous departure" for substantial and impactful differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

noticeable deviation

Focuses on the act of deviating and being easily noticed.

marked divergence

Emphasizes the extent of the difference and separation.

striking contrast

Highlights the difference as being visually or conceptually impressive.

remarkable shift

Draws attention to the significance of the change in direction.

clear divergence

Underscores the unambiguity and obviousness of the deviation.

distinct deviation

Focuses on the separateness and uniqueness of the change.

obvious alteration

Highlights that the change is easily perceptible.

pronounced difference

Emphasizes the degree to which things are unalike.

significant change

Highlights the importance and impact of the transformation.

radical variation

Indicates an extreme and fundamental type of difference.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "conspicuous departure" in a sentence?

Use "conspicuous departure" to highlight a significant and easily noticeable deviation from a standard, norm, or previous action. For example, "The company's new sustainability policy represents a "conspicuous departure" from its previous environmental practices".

What are some alternatives to "conspicuous departure"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "noticeable deviation", "marked divergence", or "striking contrast" to convey a similar meaning.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "conspicuous departure"?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize that a change is not only different but also easily observed and potentially significant. This is often used in discussions of policy changes, strategic shifts, or notable differences in behavior.

What is the difference between "conspicuous departure" and "slight change"?

"Conspicuous departure" implies a large, easily noticeable change, whereas "slight change" suggests a minor and subtle alteration. They are used to describe changes of different magnitudes.