deviate from the path

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deviate from the path" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it in sentences that refer to figurative or literal paths, for example: "Although many of his friends chose to deviate from the path of success, he remained focused and achieved his goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

And the more we can deviate from the path, the more fun it is.

The New York Times

In preparing his budget for March 21, Mr Brown should not deviate from the path he has so ably charted in previous years.

The Guardian - Money

Mr Blair's worry is that, at that moment, most of his party won't be.Even if things become as messy as this, Mr Blair is unlikely to deviate from the path that he has chosen.

The Economist

When you deviate from the path, you are breaking with what you were always planning on doing.

Science Magazine

We're not going to deviate from the path we're on because we believe in what we're building.

BBC

He said Mr Marrero's arrest "won't make us deviate from the path we are on" and asked Venezuelans to "stay united and mobilised".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

For several years, astronomers have observed that a handful of the small icy bodies that lie in the so-called "scattered disc" beyond the orbit of the planet Neptune, including the dwarf planet Sedna, deviate from the paths around the sun that would be expected based on the gravitational pulls of all the known objects in the solar system.

Huffington Post

La traviata ("she who has deviated from the path", ie, the fallen woman) succumbs to consumption.

The Guardian - Music

We have not deviated from the path we set when we bought it in 1983.

The New York Times

"They attack us, and above all attack Hassan Khomeini, because they fail to remember that many [of them] are deviating from the path outlined by our grandfather".

The New Yorker

They need to help Greece improve its credibility by showing that deviating from the path of reform will not be tolerated".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deviate from the path" when you want to emphasize a departure from an established or expected course, whether literal or figurative. It is more impactful than simply saying something changed.

Common error

Avoid using "deviate from the path" in purely literal contexts where a simpler term like "turn" or "stray" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deviate from the path" functions as a verb phrase indicating a departure from a literal or figurative course. Ludwig's AI confirms that it's usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it being used to describe diverging from planned actions or established norms.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deviate from the path" is a verb phrase indicating a departure from a literal or figurative route, plan, or principle. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. While grammatically sound, its register leans toward neutral to formal, making it suitable for news, scientific, or professional contexts. Alternatives include "stray from the course" and "veer off track". Be mindful of overusing it in purely literal contexts to avoid sounding pretentious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stray from the course

Implies a wandering or unintentional departure from a planned route.

veer off track

Suggests a sudden or unexpected change in direction, often implying a loss of focus.

diverge from the norm

Focuses on departing from what is considered standard or typical behavior.

depart from the plan

Emphasizes a conscious decision to move away from an established strategy.

wander from the subject

Indicates a digression or straying from the main topic of discussion.

break away from tradition

Highlights a deliberate rejection of established customs or practices.

digress from the narrative

Implies a temporary departure from the main storyline.

turn aside from the road

Suggests a physical turning away or changing direction.

fly in the face of convention

Shows open contempt and disobedience of a rule.

step off the beaten path

Suggests exploring something undiscovered.

FAQs

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

You can use "deviate from the path" to describe a literal departure from a physical route or, more commonly, a figurative departure from a plan, principle, or expected course of action. For example, "The company chose to "deviate from the path" outlined in the strategic plan."

What's a good alternative to "deviate from the path"?

Depending on the context, you could use "stray from the course", "veer off track", or "diverge from the norm".

Is it better to say "deviate from the path" or "stray from the path"?

"Deviate from the path" often implies a more deliberate or significant departure than "stray from the path", which can suggest a more accidental or minor divergence. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "deviate from the path"?

It's suitable when discussing decisions that break from established plans, principles, or expected behaviors. It adds a layer of formality and significance to the departure.