deviating from the subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deviating from the subject" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation where someone is straying away from the main topic or focus of a conversation or text. Example: "While the presentation was informative, I felt that the speaker was deviating from the subject and not addressing the main points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

So, my apologies for deviating from the subject, but I would dedinitely support accupuncture, but expect results within a reasonable time phrame.

Harvard University

But the Labour leader diverged from his tactics in his first PMQs by including follow-up questions and put-downs when he felt the Prime Minister was deviating from the subject.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The role of the moderator was to be prepared to guide the discussions if the group deviated from the subject, ask clarifying questions when necessary, and ensure that all the participants got a chance to voice their views.

BMC Public Health

Whether Mr. Ryan would be a wrangler of House conservatives in support of a White House seeking to reach across the aisle, or an agent of the Tea Party who keeps Mr. Romney from deviating from the true path, is a subject of much debate.

The New York Times

As neutral markers (i.e., unlinked to genes) are not affected by selection, their variation may be deviating from the variation in genes that are subjected to selection and are important for local adaptation.

Evolutionary Applications

The speaker judges whether you have deviated from the topic.

The Guardian

For Tories like Cartland, deviating from the Chamberlain line was seen as betrayal, not disagreement, and the deviators were subjected to raw schoolboy pressure.

The New York Times - Books

Britain denies deviating from the proposals of the group.

The New York Times

Deviating from the norm is fine, unless everyone finds out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But then he started deviating from the standard pathway.

The New Yorker

In fact, deviating from the herd was often punished severely.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When moderating a discussion, use phrases like "Let's get back on topic" or "That's an interesting point, but it's deviating from the subject" to gently redirect the conversation.

Common error

Avoid introducing examples or anecdotes that are only vaguely related to the main point. Ensure all supporting information directly reinforces the subject, preventing the impression that you're "deviating from the subject" unnecessarily.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deviating from the subject" functions as a verb phrase typically used to describe the action of straying away from the main topic or focus of a discussion or piece of writing. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deviating from the subject" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of moving away from the main topic of discussion. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. While relatively rare, it is found across various contexts, including news, scientific publications, and academic discussions. Effective communication requires staying on topic; therefore, it's important to ensure any digressions are both relevant and brief. Consider using alternative phrases such as "straying from the topic" or "digressing from the main point" to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

straying from the topic

Focuses on the act of moving away from the central topic.

digressing from the main point

Highlights a temporary departure from the central argument or idea.

wandering off topic

Emphasizes a casual or unintentional drift away from the subject matter.

getting sidetracked

Implies being distracted and losing focus on the original subject.

going off on a tangent

Suggests a sudden and often unrelated shift in the conversation or discussion.

departing from the matter at hand

Presents a more formal way of saying deviating from the current topic.

veering away from the core issue

Focuses on moving away from the central or most important aspect of the topic.

losing sight of the original question

Highlights the act of forgetting or neglecting the initial subject of discussion.

getting lost in the details

Implies becoming overly focused on minor aspects and losing track of the main subject.

shifting the focus

Highlights the act of deliberately changing the subject of discussion.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "deviating from the subject"?

You can use alternatives like "straying from the topic", "digressing from the main point", or "going off on a tangent" depending on the context.

What does it mean when someone is "deviating from the subject"?

It means they are wandering away from the main topic being discussed or written about, often introducing unrelated or tangential information.

How can I prevent myself from "deviating from the subject" in my writing?

Create an outline before you start writing and stick to it. Regularly check that each paragraph directly supports your main argument or thesis. Remove any content that doesn't fit.

Is it always bad to "deviate from the subject"?

Not necessarily. A brief, relevant digression can sometimes add interest or context, but it's important to ensure it doesn't distract from the main point or confuse the audience. Make sure to return to the main subject promptly.