deviation from the norm

USAGE SUMMARY

'deviation from the norm' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something or someone that goes against an accepted or expected standard or rule. For example: "John's deviation from the norm was widely celebrated by his peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

What happened then was a sharp deviation from the norm.

The New York Times

Traceable cause suggests a deviation from the norm.

The New Yorker

"He is not a deviation from the norm, but the norm itself".

The New York Times

And yet it works, partially because any deviation from the norm is a better alternative.

The Guardian - Film

Since it is a deviation from the norm, the extra-wide or extra-long photograph has a built-in attraction.

The New York Times - Arts

This shouldn't come as a surprise, though it's a minor deviation from the norm.

The New York Times - Arts

But Robert W. Mann Jr., an airline analyst based in Port Washington, N.Y., emphasized that such a performance would be a deviation from the norm.

The New York Times

But what if the last few years of playing fast and loose with credit were not a deviation from the norm but a return to America's economic roots?

The New York Times - Magazine

Even under this favorable reading, however, the arrangement's rigidity and superficial penetration imply that deviation from the norm threatens the structure's integrity.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

An outstanding poet and musician, he is also remembered for his daring defiance of the Confucian orthodoxy, at a time when deviation from the norms of tradition could easily be deemed seditious.

SEP

This deviation from the norms of general surgery, which has shown good results, offered the following advantages: The patients who were residing far away from the hospital did not have the trouble of visiting the hospital daily for dressing.

BMC Oral Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deviation from the norm", ensure you clearly define the "norm" to provide context for the deviation. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

While "deviation from the norm" is widely applicable, avoid overuse in highly formal or scientific writing. Consider more precise alternatives like "statistical anomaly" or "irregularity" depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deviation from the norm" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies something that differs from what is considered standard, typical, or expected. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

45%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deviation from the norm" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe anything that differs from what is considered standard or typical. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used in written English. While applicable across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing, it is most effective when the "norm" is clearly defined. Consider more precise alternatives in highly formal or scientific settings. Remember to avoid overuse and ensure clarity to effectively communicate the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

departure from the standard

Focuses on the 'standard' rather than 'norm', implying a more formalized expectation.

divergence from the average

Highlights a statistical difference from the 'average' instead of a general 'norm'.

variation from the usual

Emphasizes the 'usual' as the point of comparison, suggesting a common occurrence.

irregularity in the pattern

Indicates a break in an established 'pattern', implying a sequence or predictable order.

aberration from the typical

Suggests a more significant and less frequent departure from what is 'typical'.

nonconformity to the convention

Highlights a lack of adherence to established 'conventions' or social customs.

exception to the rule

Implies a specific 'rule' that is not being followed, rather than a general norm.

outlier in the data

Specifically refers to a statistical data point that significantly differs from other values.

anomaly in the system

Suggests a malfunction or unexpected behavior within a defined system.

infringement of accepted practice

Emphasizes the violation of an "accepted practice", often implying a more formal setting.

FAQs

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

You can use "deviation from the norm" to describe anything that differs from what is considered standard or typical. For example, "His behavior was a clear deviation from the norm." or "The study examined deviations from the norm in economic indicators."

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

Alternatives include "departure from the standard", "divergence from the average", or "variation from the usual". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "deviation from the norm" formal or informal?

"Deviation from the norm" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly technical or scientific writing, more precise terms might be preferred.

What's the difference between "deviation from the norm" and "aberration"?

While both suggest a departure from what's expected, "aberration" implies a more significant and less frequent departure. "Deviation from the norm" is a more general term for any difference from the standard, while an aberration is an "aberration from the typical".