diverge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "diverge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing paths, ideas, or opinions that separate or differ from a common point. Example: "As the discussion progressed, our opinions began to diverge significantly on the topic of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However we diverge politically, I have enough faith in Eastwood's artistry and intellect to trust that he is not a black-and-white ideologue – or, at least, that he knows that the limitations of such a worldview would make for an extremely dull movie.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the underlying cause is the continuing flatlining of the economy and the coalition's real-terms cuts to welfare and health spending, from which Labour would be unlikely to diverge in dramatic ways.

The Guardian - Opinion

The policies she has released so far appear to diverge from staunch conservatism – she supports Labor's National Broadband Network over the Coalition's, is comfortable with same-sex marriage, urges compassion for refugees and wants the creaking train service fixed.

The Guardian

Seeing everyone's different reactions to these tests has heightened the social dynamic of the evening: the experience remains shared, but we are all thinking about what our fellow drinkers are tasting, where our experiences meet and where they diverge.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But, paradoxically, as Scotland's voting behaviour continued to diverge from the rest of the UK, it increasingly resembled the rest of the country.

The Guardian

Then, the two indices began to diverge, with GPI holding steady while GDP continued to increase.

The Guardian

That was then compared with the views of professional forecasters, as revealed in various surveys.Strikingly, the researchers find that the views of retail investors show a sharp rise in dispersion just before recessions, whereas the views of professional forecasters do not diverge until the tail end of recessions.

The Economist

On any of the challenges common to all the countries in that vast area from collective security to energy supplies to minority rights—views diverge.

The Economist

In future, he says, Japan should pursue its own path when its interests diverge from America's, refusing help to America's global military adventures, and joining only those missions led by the United Nations.

The Economist

Indeed, the very idea there was a single Ur-text from which later versions diverge either more or less is hardly tenable, as Mr Vermes persuasively argues.Many believers in revealed religion, especially those who regard text as the primary medium of revelation, will find that hard.

The Economist

Yet Mr Modi's messages and those of his allies diverge.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "diverge" when you want to emphasize a separation or difference that becomes more pronounced over time or distance.

Common error

Avoid using "diverge" when you actually mean "converge". "Diverge" means to move apart, while "converge" means to come together. Choosing the wrong word will drastically change the meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "diverge" is as an intransitive verb, indicating an action of moving in different directions or becoming different. Ludwig AI examples showcase its use in describing the separation of paths, opinions, or data trends.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "diverge" functions as an intransitive verb, primarily used to express separation, difference, or deviation. It is grammatically correct and very common in written English, particularly in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is suitable for various registers, particularly neutral and formal tones. To avoid common errors, ensure you're not confusing it with its antonym, "converge", and remember to use "diverge from" rather than "diverge with". The word has many synonyms such as "differ", "deviate", or "vary".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deviate

This term indicates a departure from an established course or standard.

differ

This term indicates a lack of agreement or correspondence.

vary

This term suggests differences or discrepancies between things.

depart

This term implies a physical or metaphorical leaving or deviation.

veer

This term suggests a change in direction or course.

separate

This term implies becoming distinct or disconnected.

stray

This term implies wandering or deviating from a path or subject.

branch off

This term suggests the act of creating a new division, especially from a central path or direction.

digress

This term suggests moving away from the main subject in speech or writing.

split

This term indicates a division into separate parts or groups.

FAQs

How can I use "diverge" in a sentence?

"Diverge" is often used to describe paths, opinions, or trends that separate or differ. For example: "The two roads "diverge" in the woods."

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

"Diverge" implies a gradual separation, while "deviate" suggests a more sudden or intentional departure from a standard or path. Something that "diverges" simply moves apart, whereas something that deviates takes a different course.

Which is correct, "diverge from" or "diverge with"?

The correct usage is "diverge from". For example, "Their opinions "diverge from" mine."

What can I say instead of "diverge"?

You can use alternatives like "differ", "deviate", or "vary" depending on the context.