deviating from the norm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deviating from the norm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions, behaviors, or ideas that are different from what is typically expected or accepted. Example: "His approach to problem-solving is often effective, even if it means deviating from the norm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

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

Deviating from the norm by pursuing a profession or living an independent life is still not valued in a society focused on creating a family.

The New York Times

However, deviating from the norm, during the CFP, LP traffic is included in the polling list and thus polled by the HC along with the HP traffic.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Not quite abnormal, but unquestionably deviating from the norm.

Huffington Post

Anyone who wants something else is deviating from the norm -- thus a "deviant".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Separation of the SF-36 results into the physical health and mental health components clearly showed that the physical part of the SF-36 was affected far more than the mental component by deviating from the norm-based score of 50 [24].

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

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

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

The Guardian

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deviating from the norm", ensure the context clearly establishes what the 'norm' is. This provides a clear point of reference for the deviation.

Common error

Avoid assuming that your audience automatically understands what constitutes 'the norm' in a given situation. Explicitly define or provide context to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deviating from the norm" functions as a participial phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes something that is moving away from what is considered standard or typical. Ludwig AI confirms this through various examples where the phrase is used to qualify behaviors, approaches, or results.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deviating from the norm" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe actions or behaviors that differ from what is considered typical or standard. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and general discourse. While relatively versatile, it's important to clearly establish the 'norm' being referenced to avoid ambiguity. The phrase carries a neutral to formal tone and may imply either positive innovation or negative nonconformity depending on the context. Alternatives such as "diverging from the standard" or "differing from the usual" can provide stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diverging from the standard

Changes 'norm' to 'standard', emphasizing a set benchmark being departed from.

differing from the usual

Replaces 'norm' with 'usual', highlighting a departure from common practice.

straying from convention

Substitutes 'norm' with 'convention', focusing on a departure from established customs or practices.

departing from the routine

Replaces 'norm' with 'routine', emphasizing a break from regular or habitual actions.

varying from the expected

Changes 'norm' to 'expected', highlighting a deviation from anticipated outcomes or behaviors.

not conforming to the pattern

Shifts the focus to a lack of adherence to a typical arrangement or model.

atypical behavior

A more concise alternative, focusing on behavior that is not representative of a standard type.

unconventional approach

Highlights an approach that does not follow traditional or widely accepted methods.

breaking with tradition

Emphasizes a conscious rejection of established customs or practices.

going against the grain

An idiomatic expression indicating resistance to prevailing trends or norms.

FAQs

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

You can use "deviating from the norm" to describe anything that differs from what is considered standard or typical. For example, "His approach to the problem was successful, despite "deviating from the norm"".

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

Alternatives include "diverging from the standard", "differing from the usual", or "straying from convention" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "deviating from the norm" or "departing from the norm"?

Both "deviating from the norm" and "departing from the norm" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on stylistic preference and the specific nuance you want to convey.

What implications does "deviating from the norm" carry?

The phrase can imply either a positive or negative connotation, depending on the context. It can suggest innovation and progress, or it can suggest abnormality and nonconformity. Ensure the surrounding context clarifies the intended meaning.