deviate from the norm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'deviate from the norm' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to express that someone or something is not following a standard or rule. For example: "When it comes to fashion, my daughter likes to deviate from the norm and create her own unique style."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Not only were men permitted to deviate from the norm, but the deviation itself became the norm.

The New York Times - Style

"Historically, proto-hipsters have been connoisseurs – people who deviate from the norm.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

People aren't comfortable with sexual lives that deviate from the norm.

The New York Times - Arts

And when they deviate from the norm, all the wonderful and smart trades stop behaving according to plan.

The New York Times

It wasn't much of a hardship: I tend to relish the moments when things deviate from the norm.

The Guardian

Setting ambitious goals that sometimes deviate from the norm has driven significant progress against malaria in the past decade.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Intelligence agencies, always eager to expand their information base, are especially likely to scrutinize behaviors that deviate from the norm--even behaviors that healthy societies need, such as political activism.

Huffington Post

Deviating from the norm is fine, unless everyone finds out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"In a conservative place like Mississippi," he says, "deviating from the norm wasn't so easy".

The Guardian - Books

Once a month, however, Lin's schedule deviates from the norm.

Stanford University

"Anything that deviates from the norm that doesn't work, you're in real trouble," Dr. Reardon said.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deviate from the norm", ensure the context clearly establishes what the 'norm' is, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "deviate from the norm" is widely acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make it sound cliché. Consider stronger alternatives like "diverge" or "depart" for a more impactful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deviate from the norm" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe an action that differs from what is considered standard or typical. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

28%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deviate from the norm" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe actions or behaviors that differ from established standards. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. While it's generally neutral, being mindful of overuse in formal contexts is advisable. Alternatives like "depart from convention" or "diverge from the standard" can offer a more impactful tone in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depart from convention

Focuses on moving away from established customs or practices.

diverge from the standard

Highlights a difference from an established benchmark or expectation.

vary from the usual

Emphasizes a change or difference from what is commonly expected.

break with tradition

Implies a deliberate departure from established customs and beliefs.

defy expectations

Highlights the act of not meeting anticipated outcomes or behaviors.

stray from the ordinary

Indicates a departure from commonplace or typical occurrences.

differ from the average

Focuses on a distinction from a typical or calculated mean.

go against the grain

Suggests acting in opposition to prevailing trends or inclinations.

rebel against conformity

Emphasizes active resistance to accepted standards of behavior.

buck the trend

Implies resisting or opposing a prevailing fashion or tendency.

FAQs

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

You can use "deviate from the norm" to describe actions or behaviors that differ from what is considered standard or typical. For example, "His teaching methods "deviate from the norm", but they are highly effective."

What are some alternatives to "deviate from the norm"?

Alternatives include "depart from convention", "diverge from the standard", or "vary from the usual", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to "deviate from the norm"?

Not necessarily. Whether it's positive or negative depends on the context. Sometimes, "deviating from the norm" can lead to innovation and progress; other times, it might result in undesirable consequences.

Which is more formal, "deviate from the norm" or "differ from the average"?

"Deviate from the norm" is generally more versatile. "Differ from the average" is specifically focused on statistical differences, whereas "deviate from the norm" can apply to broader social or behavioral contexts.