deviates from the norm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deviates from the norm" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used to indicate that something is not typical or normal. For example, "The student's behavior deviates from the norm, so he may need some extra attention from the teacher."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

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

Since Norton Core monitors internet traffic flowing to and from IoT devices, anything that deviates from the norm sends up a red flag.

The New York Times

Journalists have been among the most prominent victims of state repression, along with refugees, gay and lesbian Egyptians, and anyone who deviates from the norm.

The Guardian

The word "eccentric" is richer in nuance than the dictionary definition, i.e., one who deviates from the norm, one who is odd, unconventional or out of the ordinary.

The New York Times - Magazine

When a seemingly ordinary person deviates from the norm and succeeds, it creates a change in expectations that ripples out, he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The trans community may have won a few significant battles in the UK, but the broad response to anything transgender is still one of suspicion, rooted in a deep-seated cultural hostility to anything that "deviates" from the norms of sexuality or gender.

The Guardian - Opinion

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

The New York Times - Style

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

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

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deviates from the norm" to describe situations where a specific behavior, result, or characteristic differs noticeably from what is generally expected or considered standard. It's particularly effective when analyzing data or describing atypical behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "deviates from the norm" when a simple difference exists without any implication of unusualness or abnormality. Opt for alternatives like "differs" or "varies" if there is no need to emphasize a departure from expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deviates from the norm" functions as a verb phrase, specifically indicating that something differs or diverges from what is considered standard or typical. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deviates from the norm" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe something that differs from the typical or expected. Ludwig AI confirms this. It's most commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, indicating its suitability for formal and analytical writing. When writing, remember to use this phrase when you want to emphasize a departure from a standard, but be mindful of the context to avoid implying abnormality when a simple difference is all that's intended. Consider alternatives like "differs from the norm" or "varies from the norm" in less formal contexts. The phrase serves to highlight differences in a neutral to formal tone, making it a useful tool for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

departs from the norm

Emphasizes a more deliberate or significant divergence.

differs from the norm

Suggests a simple difference without necessarily implying negativity or abnormality.

diverges from the norm

Highlights a branching off or separation from a standard path or behavior.

varies from the norm

Indicates a range of differences, suggesting flexibility and not necessarily a strict deviation.

strays from the norm

Implies a wandering or unintentional departure, sometimes with negative connotations.

breaks from the norm

Conveys a more forceful or abrupt departure, often against established conventions.

departs from the standard

Similar to departs from the norm, but specifies that what is being departed from is a standard or regulation.

deviates from the standard

Similar to deviates from the norm, but specifies that what is being deviated from is a standard or regulation.

deviates from the normal

Using "normal" instead of "norm" indicates that the departure is from what is considered typical or usual.

differs from the standard

Implies that there is a set of standards that something isn't aligned with.

FAQs

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

Use "deviates from the norm" to describe when something differs significantly from what is considered typical or expected. For example, "The patient's test results "deviates from the norm", warranting further investigation."

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

Alternatives include "departs from the norm", "differs from the norm", or "diverges from the norm". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "deviates from the norm" formal or informal?

"Deviates from the norm" is suitable for neutral to formal contexts. In very casual conversation, simpler terms like "is different" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "deviates from the norm" and "is abnormal"?

"Deviates from the norm" simply indicates a difference from what is typical, while "is abnormal" suggests that the deviation is unusual and potentially problematic. "Deviates from the norm" is neutral, while "is abnormal" is often negative.