digression from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "digression from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a departure from the main topic or subject in a discussion or text. Example: "The speaker's digression from the main topic made it difficult for the audience to follow the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Anyway, that's a digression from a digression, which is good going for paragraph one.

The Guardian - Sport

The only real digression from protocol came from Dorothy, when she refused to return to a shelter.

The New Yorker

His remarks, a long, impassioned digression from his usual stump speech, were not planned, catching even his aides off guard.

The New York Times

Her first digression from abstraction came in 1986, when she choreographed and danced in Lina Wertmüller's production of "Carmen".

The New York Times - Arts

In an apparent digression from his prepared remarks, he defended his son against the criticisms of protesters outside the convention.

The New York Times

The hard fact of it was that ornithopters, machines with flapping wings, were a digression from the path that led to the airplane".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

"Therefore, in the end, no digression can digress from the subject: in Sterne's novel, digression is impossible".

The New York Times - Books

But so, eventually, do small variations in the circling or quick digressions from it.

The New York Times - Arts

A number of flagrant, if delicious, digressions from protocol were in evidence.

The New Yorker

Their most frequent digressions from social mores are lying, stealing, addiction to alcohol or narcotics, and sexual immortality.

The New Yorker

The album's title track inspired the liveliest digressions from both guitarists, and the longest lead-in before the vocals.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "digression from" when you want to signal a clear departure from the main subject, but ensure the digression is relevant and serves a purpose (e.g. providing context or an example).

Common error

Avoid frequent or lengthy digressions that can confuse your audience. Make sure your digressions add value and are not merely distractions from your core message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "digression from" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It specifies a departure or deviation from a primary subject, path, or standard. Ludwig's examples indicate its use in both narrative and analytical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Books

8%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "digression from" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate a departure or deviation from a primary topic or path. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely employed across various contexts, including news, science, and the arts. When using "digression from", ensure the departure is purposeful and doesn't detract from the core message. Consider alternatives such as "departure from" or "deviation from" to refine your language. Remember the core function: to signal a shift in focus while maintaining relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

departure from

Indicates a move away or divergence from a previously established course or topic.

deviation from

Highlights a divergence or departure from an established norm or standard.

divergence from

Emphasizes the act of moving in different directions or differing from a standard.

detour from

Suggests a temporary departure from a planned route or topic.

tangent from

Implies a sudden shift to a related but different topic.

excursion from

Conveys a brief departure from a central theme or subject.

aside from

Indicates a temporary break or supplementary comment separate from the main narrative.

veer from

Implies an abrupt change in direction or topic.

stray from

Suggests a wandering away from a defined path or topic.

divert from

Emphasizes the act of turning away or redirecting from something.

FAQs

How can I use "digression from" in a sentence?

You can use "digression from" to indicate a temporary departure from the main topic. For example, "The speaker's "digression from" the topic of climate change to discuss local politics was unexpected."

What are some alternatives to "digression from"?

Alternatives include "departure from", "deviation from", or "divergence from", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "digression from" in formal writing?

Yes, "digression from" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to indicate a shift away from the main topic or argument.

What's the difference between "digression from" and "aside from"?

"Digression from" implies a temporary departure from the main subject, while "aside from" indicates an exception or something separate from the main point. For example, "Digression from the script, the actor improvised a funny scene," versus "Aside from a few minor issues, the project was a success."