create a diversion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "create a diversion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a plan or strategy to lead someone away from a specific location, or to distract someone's attention from something important. For example: "We decided to create a diversion by setting off a fire alarm to distract the guards so we could sneak out of the building unnoticed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'll create a diversion.

The New Yorker

If you're in a fix, create a diversion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Thieves even set fire to wood-frame homes to create a diversion.

The New York Times

Russia responded by accusing the West of trying to create a diversion.

The New York Times

So don't create a diversion by insisting on having a united cabinet, Dave.

The Guardian

It will create a diversion that will hurt everyone," he said.

The Guardian

… "But I'm riding the Tour".… "Win some stages, create a diversion".

The Guardian - Sport

The Israelis don't want a peace process so they create a diversion.

The Guardian

Abraham makes another important appearance when Claire sends him off, saddled without a rider, to create a diversion.

The New York Times

Russia accused the West of trying to create a diversion, an accusation echoed by the Syrian envoy.

The New York Times

"You know things are bad when Trump tries to start a sex scandal to create a diversion".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "create a diversion", ensure the purpose of the diversion is clear within the context. State what is being diverted from, and what the intended outcome is.

Common error

While "create a diversion" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing repetitive. Use synonyms such as "cause a distraction" or "deflect attention" to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "create a diversion" functions as a verb phrase. It typically serves as the predicate of a clause, expressing an action—the act of generating a distraction. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "create a diversion" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase to describe the act of generating a distraction. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science-related content, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. To enhance your writing, use it purposefully, ensuring clarity in the intended outcome. To prevent overuse, incorporate synonyms such as "cause a distraction" or "deflect attention".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause a distraction

This alternative focuses on the act of causing a disturbance to draw attention away.

generate a distraction

Similar to "cause a distraction", but emphasizes the act of producing the distraction.

stage a distraction

This implies a deliberate and planned act of creating a diversion.

draw attention away

This phrase emphasizes redirecting focus from something else.

deflect attention

This alternative suggests redirecting focus away from something, often to avoid scrutiny.

set up a smokescreen

This idiom suggests creating a deceptive distraction to hide true intentions.

shift the focus

This option highlights changing the subject or point of attention.

throw someone off the scent

An idiomatic expression that indicates misleading someone to prevent them from discovering something.

mislead

Focuses on the act of leading someone in the wrong direction, whether literally or figuratively.

obfuscate the issue

This alternative means to make something unclear or obscure, often intentionally.

FAQs

How can I use "create a diversion" in a sentence?

You can use "create a diversion" to describe a plan to distract someone from something important. For example, "The thieves planned to create a diversion so they could rob the bank".

What is another way to say "create a diversion"?

Alternatives to "create a diversion" include "cause a distraction", "draw attention away", or "deflect attention".

Is it better to say "create a diversion" or "make a diversion"?

"Create a diversion" and "make a diversion" are both grammatically correct and have the same meaning, but "create a diversion" is slightly more common in formal writing.

What's the difference between "create a diversion" and "cause a distraction"?

While similar, "create a diversion" often implies a more deliberate and planned effort to shift attention, while ""cause a distraction"" can be more accidental or spontaneous.