could diverge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could diverge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has the potential to differ or separate from a particular path or outcome. Example: "The two theories could diverge significantly if new evidence is presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

With a new story that may implicate Ms. Stewart but exonerate Mr. Bacanovic, their paths could diverge.

The New York Times

In yet another sign of how the next administration could diverge from those it follows, Michael R. Bloomberg will travel in his own plane on Monday on his first official international trip since winning the office of mayor.

The New York Times

But Stephen Kinnock, one of the Labour advocates for Norway-plus, said the Efta court could diverge from the European court of justice, and that the Efta treaty allowed for an emergency brake on migration in exceptional circumstances.

The Guardian

And for the first time, it is possible that the interests of the public shareholders could diverge from the interests of the investors in the buyout funds, at least in the short term.

The New York Times

In economics jargon, the UK seems to be suffering from an extreme variant of the Houthakker-Magee effect – named after two economists who discovered in 1969 that price elasticities for imports and exports could diverge substantially, giving rise to a permanent tendency towards current-account imbalance.

The Guardian - Business

GRETNA, Scotland — It began in July with a single stone placed along a bend in the River Sark, the muddy trickle in a sea of green fields where Scotland and England meet — and where they could diverge if Scots choose to break from Britain in Thursday's independence vote.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Soaring optimism could quickly diverge to stomach-churning fear.

The New York Times

But he said the two interests could easily diverge on the matter of a strike.

The New York Times

Arms control is one area where Russian and American paths could again diverge.

The Economist

Ford also addressed the issue of EU regulations, admitting that Britain could not diverge too far from expectations, but that that there ought to be some flexibility.

The Guardian

The narrative styles could hardly diverge more sharply: James the master of nuance and the telling descriptive detail; Bernhard the blunt and moralizing abstractionist.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could diverge" to express a potential separation or difference, often indicating a conditional or hypothetical scenario. Ensure the context clearly establishes the initial shared path or expectation from which divergence is possible.

Common error

Avoid using "could diverge" in situations where the idea of a prior shared path is absent. Instead, use more general terms like "differ" or "vary" if there's no established baseline for comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could diverge" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing the possibility of separation, difference, or deviation. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, supporting its role in conveying potential outcomes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could diverge" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate the possibility of separation or difference. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to convey uncertainty about future outcomes. It finds frequent application in news, scientific, and business contexts. When using "could diverge", ensure that the context clearly establishes a shared point of origin. Alternative phrases like "might deviate" or "may separate" offer similar meanings with subtle variations. Remember, a clear, direct language avoids overuse in situations that lack context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can diverge

Alternative to 'could', expressing possibility without as much conditionality.

might deviate

Emphasizes a slight shift or departure from an established course.

could deviate

Similar to "might deviate" but emphasizes a broader potential to wander from a path.

may separate

Highlights the act of becoming distinct or coming apart.

can differ

Focuses on the potential for a discrepancy or dissimilarity.

could branch off

Suggests a new direction or pathway emerging from a single point.

might split

Implies a division into two or more distinct entities.

may vary

Indicates a potential range of differences within a defined set.

might fork

Specifically suggests a path splitting into two alternatives.

may contrast

Stresses the element of clear opposition or dissimilarity.

FAQs

How can I use "could diverge" in a sentence?

Use "could diverge" to indicate a potential separation or difference between two or more things. For example, "Their opinions on the matter "could diverge" as they learn more about the situation."

What are some alternatives to "could diverge"?

Alternatives include "might differ", "may separate", or "can vary". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "could have diverged" instead of "could diverge"?

Yes, "could have diverged" is correct and indicates a past possibility that something separated or differed. "Could diverge" refers to a present or future possibility.

What's the difference between "could diverge" and "diverge"?

"Diverge" implies a definite separation or difference, while "could diverge" indicates a possibility or potential for such separation or difference.