deference to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deference to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate respect or submission to someone else's opinions, wishes, or decisions. Example: "In deference to her experience, we decided to follow her recommendations for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Why? Deference to power".

The Guardian - Film

Perhaps out of deference to the club?

The New York Times

— Toomey urged deference to Presidential prerogative.

The New Yorker

It shows deference to the states".

The New York Times

Beyond the deference to seniority, it's complicated.

The Economist

Show great deference to committee chairmen.

The New York Times

There's no deference to an election victory.

The Guardian

Shows scant deference to genre traditions.

The Guardian - Film

But the culture of deference to Oh has seemingly ended.

The New York Times - Sports

The deference to the military service credential is bipartisan.

The New York Times

(I was allowed inside in deference to the Khan).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deference to", ensure that the context clearly indicates who or what is being respected or yielded to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "deference to" when you simply mean acknowledgement or awareness. "Deference to" implies a yielding or submission, not just recognition. Use alternatives like "awareness of" or "consideration of" when submission is not intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deference to" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It indicates the reason or motive behind an action, showing that something is done out of respect or submission. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

19%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deference to" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to indicate respect or submission to someone or something, as validated by Ludwig AI. It frequently appears in news, media and scientific contexts, expressing a willingness to yield to authority, expertise, or established norms. When using this phrase, ensure that the intended submission or yielding is clear and appropriate for the context, and consider alternatives like "respect for" or "in accordance with" when a different nuance is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

respect for

Focuses on admiration and high regard rather than submission.

regard for

Emphasizes consideration and thoughtfulness towards someone or something.

compliance with

Highlights adherence to rules or commands.

submission to

Stresses the act of yielding or surrendering to authority.

obedience to

Implies following instructions or commands dutifully.

yielding to

Suggests giving way or conceding to a force or influence.

accordance with

Highlights conformity or agreement with a standard or rule.

consideration for

Focuses on taking someone's feelings or situation into account.

respectful of

Describes an attitude of politeness and consideration.

with due regard to

More formal and emphasizes careful consideration.

FAQs

How can I appropriately use "deference to" in a sentence?

Use "deference to" to indicate respect or submission to someone's authority, opinions, or wishes. For example: "In "deference to" the director's vision, the team made significant changes to the script."

What phrases can I use instead of "deference to"?

Alternatives include "respect for", "regard for", or "in accordance with" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "deference to" or "respect for"?

While both convey a positive attitude, "deference to" implies yielding or submitting to authority, while "respect for" indicates admiration or high regard without necessarily implying submission.

What's the difference between "deference to" and "compliance with"?

"Deference to" implies respect and yielding, whereas "compliance with" specifically refers to adhering to rules, laws, or regulations. The former is more about attitude, and the latter about action.