divert effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "divert effort" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of redirecting or reallocating resources, time, or energy towards a different task or goal. Example: "In order to meet the new deadline, we need to divert effort from the current project to focus on the urgent one."

✓ Grammatically correct

The phrase is used when discussing redirecting or reallocating resources, time, or energy from one task to another.

It often appears in contexts where a shift in focus or strategy is being considered or implemented.

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

This approach has been supported by the EU, but opposed by many other developed countries, who argue it would have little value, and divert effort from other activities.

Columbia University

She feared the development of a military 'substructure' that would divert effort and resources from the main task of strengthening the transatlantic Western Alliance.

The Guardian

Eurobonds may provide relief in the short term, they say, but this would divert effort from the real cure of reforming public finances and uncompetitive economies; the illness might then re-emerge in more virulent form.Take Italy, say German officials.

The Economist

Divert effort and money from fighting piracy to making piracy irrelevant.

Forbes

The best way for Yahoo! to blow it would be to divert effort to a major quest for "subscription" revenue.

Forbes

They will only divert effort and attention away from electioneering and they will achieve nothing.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Now, by giving a platform to a small group of dissidents, Mr. Mbeki has helped to divert efforts to fight AIDS, Dr. van der Horst said.

The New York Times

But he urged Washington not to let Iraq divert efforts from the most pressing problem in the region, the worsening Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which Muslims across the region regard as the driving force behind the rising tide of militant Islamic terrorism in the world.

The New York Times

Anything that diverts effort away from the job at hand – that of winning – is to be distrusted.

The Guardian - Sport

And besides, just as building and maintaining a real palace is expensive, and diverts effort from other activities, the building and maintaining of memories is costly in materials and energy.

The Economist

My fear is that this will merely create a parallel system of results alongside the kinds of information practitioners need to learn and improve, diverting effort and money and doing nothing for downwards accountability.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "divert effort", ensure the sentence clearly indicates both the original task and the new focus, providing context for why the shift is necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "divert effort" without specifying what the effort is being diverted from and to. This can create ambiguity and confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "divert effort" functions as a verb phrase typically used in sentences to indicate the action of redirecting resources or attention from one activity to another. As Ludwig AI pointed out it's generally considered grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

22%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "divert effort" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe the reallocation of resources or attention from one task to another. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is appropriate for use in writing. Analysis of its usage shows it appears most frequently in news and media sources, followed by scientific and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being diverted from and to, and consider alternatives like "reallocate resources" or "shift focus" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reallocate resources

Focuses on the redistribution of available resources.

transfer resources

Focuses on the movement of resources from one area to another.

redirect attention

Emphasizes shifting focus from one thing to another.

re-channel resources

Suggests redirecting resources into a different course or direction.

shift focus

Highlights a change in concentration or emphasis.

transfer focus

Highlights moving your focus from something to something else.

repurpose energy

Implies transforming or using energy for a different purpose.

re-assign energy

Implies giving energy to a new task or responsibility.

dedicate attention

Emphasizes concentrating one's attention on a specific task or objective.

concentrate energy

Focuses on gathering and applying energy to a specific point or purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "divert effort" in a sentence?

You can use "divert effort" to describe reallocating resources or attention from one task to another, such as, "We need to "reallocate resources" to meet the deadline".

What is a synonym for "divert effort"?

A synonym for "divert effort" is "redirect attention", meaning to shift focus from one thing to another.

When is it appropriate to use "divert effort" in professional writing?

It's appropriate in professional writing when explaining strategic decisions involving resource allocation, project management, or organizational restructuring. The alternative "shift focus" can be a good fit too.

Is "divert effort" formal or informal language?

"Divert effort" is considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The best alternative depends on the specific situation. Phrases like "repurpose energy" can also be used.