deviated from the path

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deviated from the path" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something has strayed from a predetermined course or plan. Example: "After several months of following the original strategy, the team realized they had deviated from the path and needed to refocus their efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

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

Although he was a deeply religious Hindu and a noted patron of temples in Calcutta and Delhi, he never deviated from the path of secularism for the Indian nation.

The New York Times

Ellie James and her brother only deviated from the path by a few hundred metres, but due to the howling winds and poor visibility this was enough to render them invisible and inaudible.

The Guardian - Travel

Perhaps out of wild-boy recklessness, he finds the most fiendish pieces by Liszt or Bach or Ravel addictive, yet the main canon is not yet hard-wired into his fingers as might be the case for a player who started as a toddler and never deviated from the path of virtuosity.

The Guardian - Music

Variations on this experiment [7], [8] showed that subjects tend to unconsciously and automatically follow visual cues in making corrections when the observed visual path of a stylus deviated from the path caused by their own motor actions, until the discrepancy became large enough that the conscious system took over in order to correct for bias.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 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

"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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deviated from the path" when you want to emphasize a departure from a planned or expected course of action, especially when there's an implication of straying from a set standard or principle. Consider its slightly formal tone and ensure it fits the overall style of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "deviated from the path" in overly casual or informal situations where simpler alternatives like "strayed" or "wandered" would be more appropriate. The phrase's formality can sound stilted in everyday conversation or informal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deviated from the path" functions as a verb phrase indicating a departure from a planned route, behavior, or standard. Ludwig examples show its usage in diverse contexts, from personal goals to scientific observations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deviated from the path" is a versatile expression used to describe a departure from a planned course or standard. Ludwig's analysis, confirmed by Ludwig AI, indicates that while grammatically sound, its usage is more common in formal contexts like news, science, and professional settings. When using it, consider the slight formality and choose more straightforward terms, such as ""strayed from the course"", for casual environments. While it's not incorrect to use in everyday speech, its formality may sound awkward to some speakers. Remember that "veered off course" is the best option if the departure was sudden or abrupt, otherwise, "deviated from the path" is the right choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strayed from the course

Focuses on the act of wandering or drifting away from a set route or direction.

diverged from the plan

Emphasizes a departure from a pre-arranged strategy or scheme.

departed from the norm

Highlights a deviation from typical or expected behavior or standards.

veered off course

Implies a sudden or unexpected change in direction or strategy.

digressed from the subject

Indicates a temporary departure from the main topic of discussion.

wandered from the topic

Suggests a gradual and less intentional drift away from the main subject.

gone astray

Conveys a sense of being lost or having gone wrong, often morally or ethically.

taken a detour

Describes a temporary deviation from the main route or plan, often for practical reasons.

broken with tradition

Highlights a departure from established customs or practices.

gone off the rails

Implies a significant and often uncontrolled departure from expected behavior or a stable situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "deviated from the path" to describe a situation where someone or something has strayed from a predetermined course or plan. For example: "The project "strayed from the course" after the initial funding was cut."

What are some alternatives to "deviated from the path"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like ""strayed from the course"", "diverged from the plan", or "departed from the norm".

Is "deviated from the path" formal or informal?

"Deviated from the path" is generally considered a more formal phrase. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "gone astray" or "strayed" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "deviated from the path" and "veered off course"?

"Veered off course" implies a more sudden or abrupt change in direction, whereas "deviated from the path" suggests a more gradual or intentional departure from the original plan or course.