deviating from the plan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deviating from the plan" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing actions or decisions that diverge from a previously established plan or strategy. Example: "The team faced challenges that led to deviating from the plan, ultimately resulting in a revised timeline for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

On his way to the bash, James' conscience pricks him into deviating from the plan.

The Guardian - Film

Both management and employees need to understand the changes — and the potential implications for deviating from the plan.

Forbes

Świerczewski decided to prioritize the taking of Dresden over securing his southern flank, deviating from the plan he was given by Konev.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"There's no real need in Maryland to deviate from the plan that's already underway," Pierson said.

The Washington Post

But which patients are likely to take their prescription medications correctly and which ones are likely to deviate from the plan?

The New York Times

While other teams had hoped passion and the raw skill of their superstars would carry them forward, Germany in 2014 had invested in long-term capability building, meticulous planning, an inclusive team culture, and competitive intelligence, while empowering players to deviate from the plan when necessary.

Yale University

It's a cliché but it's true: Sometime the biggest scientific breakthroughs are made unexpectedly, when things deviate from the plan.

Science Magazine

"Everything we were told to do at work began to deviate from the plan," he said.

Los Angeles Times

But of course the group deviated from the plan -- don't they know you always incinerate the body?

Huffington Post

But sometimes, the payoff is far greater when we deviate from the plan and simply say "no".

Huffington Post

Additionally, whatever concessions can be negotiated with the administration (more affordable units, union jobs, etc) wouldn't deviate from the plan's ultimate effects.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a change in strategy, use "deviating from the plan" to clearly indicate a departure from the original intentions. This phrase is particularly effective when highlighting unexpected alterations or necessary adjustments.

Common error

Avoid framing "deviating from the plan" solely as a negative outcome. Acknowledge that plans often require adjustments in response to new information or unforeseen circumstances. Instead of viewing it as a sign of failure, consider it a demonstration of adaptability and problem-solving skills.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deviating from the plan" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of diverging from a previously established course of action. Ludwig shows multiple contexts where this phrase is used to explain how certain actions do not follow the intended scheme.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deviating from the plan" is a phrase used to describe a departure from an original strategy or course of action. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in various contexts, from news reports to academic discussions, although it is relatively rare. Its use often indicates a change in response to unforeseen circumstances, and it doesn't necessarily carry a negative connotation. Alternatives like "straying from the intended course" or "diverging from the original strategy" can be used for semantic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

straying from the intended course

Changes the wording to emphasize the act of moving away from a set path or strategy.

diverging from the original strategy

Replaces "plan" with "strategy" and uses "diverging" to highlight a more significant departure.

departing from the established roadmap

Substitutes "plan" with "roadmap" for a more visual metaphor and uses "departing" to suggest a formal leaving of the plan.

veering off the planned trajectory

Emphasizes a change in direction, often suddenly, using "trajectory" to suggest a predetermined path.

digressing from the agreed agenda

Shifts the focus to a pre-agreed schedule or list of items, implying a temporary departure.

straying from the outlined procedure

Replaces "plan" with "procedure" to emphasize a set of steps or actions, implying a deviation from protocol.

drifting away from the projected timeline

Highlights a gradual movement away from a schedule, suggesting a lack of precision or control.

varying from the proposed arrangement

Indicates an alteration in a pre-arranged agreement or scheme, emphasizing a lack of uniformity.

making alterations to the blueprint

Suggests a change to an original design or scheme, often implying structural modifications.

modifying the intended approach

Implies a shift in how something is done, suggesting adaptability or a change in tactics.

FAQs

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

You can use "deviating from the plan" to describe instances where actions or decisions stray from the original strategy. For example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the team ended up "deviating from the plan"."

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

Alternatives include "straying from the intended course", "diverging from the original strategy", or "departing from the established roadmap" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to talk about "deviating from the plan"?

No, "deviating from the plan" isn't inherently negative. It can also reflect adaptability and problem-solving in response to unexpected challenges. The context determines whether it's viewed positively or negatively.

What's the difference between "deviating from the plan" and "improvising"?

"Deviating from the plan" implies a specific, pre-existing plan was in place and then altered. "Improvising", on the other hand, suggests acting without a detailed plan from the outset.