digress

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "digress" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation where the speaker or writer moves away from the main subject of the conversation, story, or argument. For example: "John was telling us a story about his travels when he suddenly started to digress and talk about the weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I digress.

The New York Times - Sports

(Tiger Woods doesn't look like an international playboy... but I digress).

The Guardian - Sport

(Well, if it worked for Robert Downey Jr in Tropic Thunder...) But I digress.

The Guardian - Film

Mr Treglown's revisionist aims are undermined by his tendency to digress needlessly (as in a section devoted to exiled novelists, which he admits has no place in his book).

The Economist

The omniscient author would pop up in odd places, such as railway carriages, to observe his hero, or suddenly digress to discuss how characters so often seek (and find) their own fates in novels.

The Economist

But I digress, sort of.More interesting than the superficial pay-to-play aspect of this story is what it reveals about the increasing integration of the conservative economy of influence.

The Economist

But I digress: the point is that whenever anyone has to really think about how to make sure everybody can get affordable health insurance, they end up with a government-regulated, government-subsidised system.

The Economist

It is time to digress briefly, to explain why the territorial and deferral systems have led to a frenzy of profit-shifting.

The Economist

Really, we should be hearing more about STEAM (A = Arts), but I digress.

Independent

But - and it's a big but (an unfortunate side-effect of all those techniques verging on your posterior also, but I digress) - at least Rousteing was trying.

Independent

Preachers in south London have also been orchestrating a boycott of Ahmadi businesses and Ofcom has had to reprimand an Islamic satellite channel for repeatedly calling the sect "Wajib-ul Qatal" - an Arabic phrase used to describe those who digress from mainstream Islam that translates as "liable for death".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To ensure your audience remains engaged, clearly signal when you are digressing and, more importantly, when you are returning to the main topic.

Common error

Avoid lengthy or frequent digressions that can confuse or lose your audience. Keep digressions brief and relevant, and make a clear transition back to your original topic.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "digress" is that of an intransitive verb. It's used to describe the action of moving away from the main subject in speech or writing. According to Ludwig, it is used to refer to a situation where the speaker or writer moves away from the main subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "digress" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term to indicate a departure from the main topic. As Ludwig AI suggests, it serves as a marker for a shift in the narrative, providing context or adding related information before returning to the core subject. While versatile, it's important to manage digressions to avoid confusing your audience, keeping them brief and relevant. This word sees frequent use in journalistic contexts and can be spotted less often in formal business writing. Overall, "digress" is a valuable tool for enriching communication when used judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stray from the point

This alternative emphasizes the act of wandering away from the main subject.

deviate from the subject

This option highlights the departure from the core topic being discussed.

veer off-topic

This suggests a sudden change in the direction of the conversation or writing.

wander from the topic

This phrase implies a more casual and less abrupt departure.

get sidetracked

Similar to digress, but emphasizes being drawn away by something else.

go off on a tangent

Highlights introducing a new, often unrelated, line of thought.

depart from the theme

Suggests a more formal or deliberate shift in subject matter.

turn aside from the main issue

Indicates a deliberate turning away from the principal matter.

swerve from the core

This conveys a sudden, almost unintentional, departure from the main topic.

ramble on a point

Highlights extended, meandering speech that loses focus.

FAQs

How can I use "digress" in a sentence?

You can use "digress" to indicate a temporary departure from the main subject. For example, "I don't want to "digress" too much, but this point is important."

What can I say instead of "digress"?

You can use alternatives like "stray from the point", "deviate from the subject", or "go off on a tangent" depending on the context.

Is it better to "digress" or "stay on topic"?

Whether to "digress" or "stay on topic" depends on the writing's goal. Digressions can add depth or context, but it's often best to "stay on topic" to maintain focus and clarity.

What's the difference between "digress" and "diverge"?

"Digress" typically means a temporary departure from the main subject, whereas "diverge" implies a more permanent separation or difference in direction.