diverge from

USAGE SUMMARY

"diverge from" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to take a different direction from; to move away from a common path. For example, "After considering all options, the team decided to diverge from their original plan and try something else."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It seems inconceivable that it will diverge from this path.

The New York Times

But I fear we diverge from the task at hand.

The New York Times

But SeaWorld has decided to diverge from the story line.

The New York Times

Therefore, organisms will diverge from their ancestors with time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Two American peculiarities made our national etiquette diverge from that of other nations.

The New York Times - Books

Over the years, Tiffani has seen her path diverge from those of her elementary-school friends.

The New York Times

The museum's official statement said only that Mr. Ross's "priorities diverge from those of the museum".

The New York Times - Arts

The ADP numbers cover only private businesses and often diverge from the official figures.

The Guardian - Business

Only at the close does the narrative of "Wicker Park" diverge from that of "L'Appartement".

The New Yorker

Wisconsin national elections, however, often diverge from those within the state.

The Guardian - Opinion

It might also diverge from familiar moral teachings, handed down through religious and cultural traditions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "diverge from" when you want to emphasize a change in direction, opinion, or method. It often implies a conscious decision to move away from something established.

Common error

Avoid using "diverge from" interchangeably with verbs like "deviate" or "differ" without considering the nuance. "Diverge" often suggests a more significant or intentional departure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "diverge from" functions as a verb phrase, typically used with a subject to indicate a departure or deviation from a standard, norm, or expected path. As Ludwig AI clarifies, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "diverge from" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a departure or deviation from an established path, standard, or norm. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is commonly used in various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While similar to phrases like "deviate from" or "differ from", "diverge from" often implies a more significant or intentional separation. When using this phrase, consider the level of emphasis you wish to convey and choose the most appropriate term to accurately reflect the intended meaning. Its high frequency across diverse sources confirms its widespread acceptability and utility in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deviate from

Shares a similar meaning of straying from a set path or standard, often used interchangeably but can sometimes imply a more unintentional departure.

depart from

Indicates a more formal or deliberate move away from a previously agreed-upon course or plan.

vary from

Suggests a difference in form or nature, but not necessarily a complete separation.

differ from

Emphasizes a distinction or dissimilarity between two or more things.

stray from

Implies a wandering or unintentional departure, often with negative connotations.

turn away from

Suggests a deliberate rejection or abandonment of a previous belief or action.

veer away from

Implies a slight change of direction, often in response to external forces.

break away from

Suggests a more forceful or rebellious separation from an established group or system.

contrast with

Highlights differences, typically used to compare and emphasize dissimilar aspects.

contradict

Shows direct opposition or inconsistency, implying a conflict in meaning or action.

FAQs

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

You can use "diverge from" to indicate a departure from an established path, plan, or opinion. For example, "The new policy will "diverge from" previous practices."

What are some alternatives to "diverge from"?

Some alternatives include "deviate from", "depart from", or "differ from" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "diverge from" or "deviate from"?

"Diverge from" and "deviate from" are similar, but "diverge" often implies a more significant or intentional departure. Choose the word that best fits the level of emphasis you want to convey.

How does "diverge from" compare to "differ from"?

"Diverge from" suggests a separation in path or direction, while "differ from" simply indicates a distinction or dissimilarity. They are not always interchangeable.