deflected by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deflected by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is redirected or altered in its course or impact, often in relation to physical objects or metaphorical concepts. Example: "The ball was deflected by the goalpost, changing its trajectory and preventing a goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Excitation light was deflected by a 520 nm dichroic mirror.

Plosone

Such accusations were easily deflected by their sheer ludicrousness.

The New York Times

As they travel, they are deflected by a magnetic field.

The Economist

Fraser deflected by saying, "I have trouble hearing women's voices".

The New York Times

Twice, James had his pass deflected by David West.

The New York Times - Sports

The ball was deflected by the MetroStars' Mark Chung.

The New York Times - Sports

Mapp's shot was deflected by MetroStars midfielder Amado Guevara.

The New York Times - Sports

Eli Manning threw 25 interceptions, a career high (several came on passes deflected by teammates).

The New York Times - Sports

As X rays penetrate a crystal, they are deflected by the rows of atoms.

The New Yorker

Nor would they be deflected by the enemies of peace, Arab or Jewish.

Independent

Lisa smiled warmly but was not deflected by my various wine diet jokes.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deflected by" to clearly indicate that an object or idea's course or impact was changed due to an external force or influence. This helps to provide a clear cause-and-effect relationship in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "deflected by" when the cause of the redirection is unclear or internal. Ensure the subject is actively influenced by an external factor, not simply changing direction on its own. For internal redirection instead consider phrases such as 'changed course' or 'altered direction'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deflected by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject's trajectory or impact has been altered due to an external force or influence. Ludwig provides examples where light, passes, shots and balls are physically deflected, as well as more abstract uses where blame is deflected.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deflected by" is a grammatically correct and versatile construction used to indicate that something's course or impact has been altered by an external force. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase finds frequent application across diverse contexts, including news reporting, scientific writing, and encyclopedic entries. While "deflected by" is most commonly used in the passive voice, writers should ensure the cause of deflection is clear and external. Alternatives like "diverted by" or "redirected by" can be considered depending on the specific context. Overall, "deflected by" serves as a useful and reliable tool for describing changes in direction or effect caused by external influences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Turned aside by

Emphasizes the change in direction caused by an external factor.

Diverted by

Highlights the redirection of something from its original path.

Redirected by

Focuses on the act of changing the course or direction.

Averted by

Suggests that something negative was prevented by an action or object.

Deflected due to

Specifies the cause of the deflection.

Glanced off

Implies a slight deviation in direction after hitting something.

Bounced off

Describes a forceful rebound after impact.

Repelled by

Indicates a force that pushes something away.

Rebuffed by

Suggests a rejection or resistance to something.

Obstructed by

Emphasizes that something is blocked by an obstacle.

FAQs

How is "deflected by" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "deflected by" indicates that something's course or impact was altered due to an external force or influence. For example, 'The ball was deflected by the defender' shows that the defender changed the ball's direction.

What are some alternatives to "deflected by"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "diverted by", "redirected by", or "turned aside by".

When is it appropriate to use "deflected by" rather than "affected by"?

"Deflected by" implies a change in direction or course due to an external force, while "affected by" indicates a broader influence that may not necessarily involve a change in trajectory. Use "deflected" when the focus is on redirection.

Is it grammatically correct to use "deflected by" in both active and passive voice?

The phrase "deflected by" is typically used in the passive voice (e.g., 'The shot was deflected by the goalie.'). While grammatically possible in the active voice (e.g., 'The goalie deflected the shot'), it's less common and might sound awkward. Rephrasing is often preferred in the active voice.