diversion

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "diversion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an instance when someone or something is being diverted away from its intended course, target, or goal. For example: "The police set up a diversion to divert traffic away from the accident scene."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The solution, after public consultation, could be an upgraded crossing, a diversion, or a bridge.

The Guardian

It is as common a diversion as the honey shot in some ways.

The Guardian - Opinion

Kanye West took a 20-minute diversion from his set in New Jersey this weekend to address a series of topics.

The Guardian - Music

Despite Tory MPs making life difficult for prime minister David Cameron over the European Union, a diversion he could have done without while his opposite number was on the ropes, the questioning of Miliband's leadership suitability has become a recurrent media theme.

The Guardian

What with the heat, the curry, and the flight from London - with a diplomatic diversion to see the United Arab Emirates' Sheikh Zayed in Geneva - Mr Blair had reason to be low-key.

The Guardian

This isn't just some little drunken overnight diversion, but a decade-long bisexual predilection that no doubt still exists.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yet after six years of pledges of virtue – of borrowing less, exporting more, greater investment, factories not banks – the Westminster classes have led us back to their favourite diversion: blowing hard into a balloon marked "house prices".

The Guardian

They included the first waiting times for mental health treatment, an extra £1.25bn for children and adolescent mental health services, making talking therapies available to 15% of those who may benefit by 2015, better care for those undergoing a crisis and improved diversion of people with mental health problems from the criminal justice system.

The Guardian

And for more and more of us, this isn't movement, diversion or stimulation; we've got plenty of that in the palms of our hands.

The Guardian - Travel

A diversion has been created with a quickie Esther Williams number, an on water matter – with woodland overtones on land.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It also includes a lot of schemes sometimes called "smart management" – using remotely controlled speed and diversion signs, ramp metering, and rapid response traffic management officers on patrol, to keep traffic at an ideal flow rate, open hardshoulder lanes to vehicles if necessary, and clear blockages as quickly as possible.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "diversion" in a formal context, ensure it clearly conveys the intended meaning, whether it's a strategic maneuver, a route change, or a recreational activity.

Common error

Be mindful that "diversion" can refer to both a tactic and a leisure activity. Provide sufficient context to avoid confusion, especially in formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "diversion" is that of a noun. It refers to something that causes a change of course or direction, or something that distracts attention. Ludwig AI also confirms that "diversion" is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

31%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "diversion" is a versatile noun with a variety of applications, ranging from strategic maneuvers to recreational activities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its high frequency across diverse sources, including news outlets and academic publications, underscores its relevance in contemporary English. When using "diversion", it's essential to provide sufficient context to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity, as it can refer to both tactical redirections and leisure pursuits. The expert rating for the phrase is high, reflecting its consistent and appropriate usage in authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distraction tactic

Focuses specifically on the aspect of diverting attention.

rerouting strategy

Emphasizes the act of changing a route or direction.

detour

Highlights a temporary change in route, often due to obstacles.

redirection

Stresses the act of changing the direction of something.

shift of focus

Indicates a change in attention or emphasis.

deception

Highlights the act of misleading someone.

trick

Refers to a cunning act designed to deceive or manipulate.

change of plans

Emphasizes altering an intended course of action.

alternative route

Suggests a different path or course to achieve the same goal.

dodge

Implies evading something, often a responsibility or question.

FAQs

How can I use "diversion" in a sentence?

You can use "diversion" to describe a tactic used to distract attention, as in "The magician created a "diversion" to conceal his trick", or to refer to a recreational activity, like "Reading is a pleasant "diversion" after a long day".

What are some synonyms for "diversion"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "diversion" include "distraction", "detour", "recreation", "deviation", or "shift".

Is "diversion" formal or informal?

"Diversion" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends on the specific application and surrounding vocabulary.

What's the difference between "diversion" and "deviation"?

"Diversion" often implies a planned or intentional change of course or focus, while "deviation" suggests a departure from a standard or expected path, whether intentional or unintentional. A "diversion" might be strategic, whereas a "deviation" may indicate an error or irregularity.