digression

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "digression" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun that means a departure from the main subject in speaking/writing, and can be used when you want to express that someone or something has gone off topic. For example: "I apologize for this brief digression, but I wanted to mention the new policy before moving on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Marco Rubio's book is a work of surpassing laziness, possessed of the aimless, discursive prose of someone remembering what his original point was after concluding a digression he suddenly remembered he wanted to make.

The Guardian - Opinion

He offers a digression about the Protestant work ethic, and why that is a fiction behind which lurks anti-Catholic prejudice.

The Economist

Or will it prove to be no more than a dazzling digression for its troubled maker?

The Economist

Somewhat distressingly, the general principle also appears to be replicated in the recent move to drop mortgage rates to warm up the housing market, but that's another digression entirely.The motive behind GMAC's decision is clear.

The Economist

After cantering through swindles, murders, bombs and the murky intrigues of Kremlin politics, the reader suddenly, on page 201, reaches an interesting historical-philosophical digression, on the lack of ethical transcendence in Russian intellectual history.

The Economist

But with 9%-plus annual growth rates, you can start to believe in miracles.Back to top >>ThursdayTHE talkfest has been a pleasurable digression from my main purpose in travelling to Asia.

The Economist

For Mr Franzen the central question is whether people really have a right to the pursuit of happiness when much of the rest of the world lives in misery.But what makes "Freedom" such a joy to read is not the digression into conservation, but the many-layered analysis of the Berglunds' marriage.

The Economist

Mr Dudley implicitly defends America's lax fiscal policy for the same reason: smaller budget deficits would have led to higher unemployment and lower inflation.[A digression: The views of the Fed and its critics may be converging.

The Economist

His jokes, his quarrelsomeness and his weakness for digression are a drawback.

The Economist

References to witness relocation programmes and terrorist cells give the book a modern twist.Mr Mailer's style has grown more padded and voluminous over the years as his subject matter has taken him further away from what he knows, and the novel smacks of digression at times.

The Economist

So is the 500 a dazzling digression, or confirmation that Fiat is back?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "digression" to signal a deliberate, but temporary, departure from the main topic. This can provide context or explore related ideas, enriching the overall discussion.

Common error

Avoid overly frequent or lengthy digressions that can confuse the reader or listener and detract from your main point. Ensure each digression serves a clear purpose and is relevant to the overall topic.

Linguistic Context

The word "digression" functions primarily as a noun, denoting an instance of straying from the main subject or line of argument in speech or writing. Ludwig examples show it used to describe deviations in books, lectures, and general discourse.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "digression" is a common noun referring to a departure from the main subject. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, especially in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. While it's a useful tool for providing context or exploring related ideas, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid confusing the audience. Alternatives like "tangent" or "aside" can be used depending on the specific nuance. Remember to signal when you are making a "digression" and when you are returning to the main topic to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tangent

Focuses on a sudden deviation from the main topic, often implying a loss of direction.

deviation

Emphasizes a departure from a standard or expected course, more formal and general.

departure

Highlights the act of moving away from the central point, neutral in tone.

aside

Suggests a brief and often parenthetical comment or observation, more informal.

excursion

Implies a temporary departure for exploration or enjoyment, often in writing or speech.

detour

Conveys a temporary divergence from a planned route, often implying a necessary or strategic change.

straying

Suggests wandering off-topic, often unintentionally or inappropriately.

wandering

Emphasizes a lack of focus and a rambling style of communication.

ramble

Implies a lengthy and unstructured deviation, often lacking clear direction.

obiter dictum

Formal legal term for a judge's incidental expression of opinion, not binding as precedent.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "digression" in writing?

Use "digression" to add depth or context to your writing, but ensure it remains relevant to the main topic. Clearly signal when you are digressing and when you are returning to the primary subject.

What are some alternatives to using the word "digression"?

You can use alternatives like "tangent", "departure", or "aside" depending on the context and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always bad to include a "digression" in my writing or speech?

No, a "digression" is not inherently bad. It can be a useful tool to provide additional information, context, or perspective. However, it's important to ensure that the "digression" is relevant and doesn't distract too much from the main point.

What's the difference between a "digression" and simply going off-topic?

A "digression" is a planned and intentional departure from the main topic, often used to provide additional context or explore related ideas. Going off-topic, on the other hand, is usually unintentional and results in a complete shift away from the subject matter.