deviate from

USAGE SUMMARY

"deviate from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that something is different or has changed from the normal or usual thing or practice. Example: The manager deviated from the company's policy and allowed employees to take the afternoon off.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Never deviate from this subject.

The New York Times

However, few employers deviate from industry standards.

The New York Times

"I can't deviate from chicken," Terry said.

The New York Times - Sports

The distance Miliband will deviate from union orders.

The Guardian

"I don't like to deviate from my schedule," she said.

The New York Times

They give us a map that we can deviate from".

The New York Times

The current generation continues to deviate from the rule.

The Guardian - Tech

Did the F.B.I. deviate from its approved operational plan?

The New York Times

His tastes do not deviate from everyone else's tastes.

The New Yorker

Don't deviate from what I've done,' " Sprewell said.

The New York Times - Sports

But don't be afraid to deviate from your chosen path.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deviate from" to indicate a deliberate or unintentional departure from a standard, plan, or expected behavior. Ensure the context clearly specifies what is being deviated from.

Common error

Avoid using "deviate from" when a simple "differ from" is more appropriate. "Deviate from" often implies a standard or expected path, whereas "differ from" simply acknowledges a difference.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "deviate from" functions primarily as a verb indicating a departure or divergence from a specified course, plan, standard, or norm. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used. Examples show its use in describing everything from strategic decisions to personal routines.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

28%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "deviate from" is a grammatically correct and common way to describe a departure from an established standard, plan, or norm, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While alternatives like "depart from" or "diverge from" exist, "deviate from" carries a neutral to slightly formal tone. Remember to use it when indicating a departure, but ensure the context clearly specifies what is being deviated from to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depart from

Implies a formal or intentional divergence from a course, plan, or standard.

diverge from

Suggests a branching off or difference in opinion, path, or characteristic.

stray from

Indicates a wandering or unintentional departure, often with a negative connotation.

veer from

Implies a sudden or slight change in direction or course.

divert from

Suggests a turning aside or deflection from an intended path or purpose.

depart from the norm

Specifically highlights a departure from what is considered typical or standard.

break from tradition

Emphasizes a rejection of established customs or practices.

differ from

Points out a distinction or dissimilarity between two or more things.

vary from

Suggests a range of differences or fluctuations around a central point.

abandon

Represents a complete desertion of a plan or idea.

FAQs

How can I use "deviate from" in a sentence?

You can use "deviate from" to indicate a departure from a standard, plan, or norm. For example, "The company decided to "deviate from" its traditional marketing strategy."

What's the difference between ""deviate from"" and "depart from"?

"Depart from" often implies a more formal or intentional divergence, while ""deviate from"" can suggest either a deliberate or unintentional departure. Both indicate moving away from something, but the tone and context may differ.

What can I say instead of ""deviate from"" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "depart from", "diverge from", or "stray from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use ""deviate from"" in writing?

It is appropriate to use ""deviate from"" when you want to indicate a move away from an established norm, plan, or standard. Ensure the context makes it clear what the subject is deviating from.