divert from

USAGE SUMMARY

"divert from" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to mean that someone has deviated from the expected course or strayed from the intended goal. For example: "The task became too difficult, so he decided to divert from the original plan and try something different."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

to divert from the A43.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We divert from each other on interpretation".

The New York Times - Sports

However, she does divert from the more avant garde.

The Guardian - Music

Some car-carrying ships have been ordered to divert from Colombo.

The Economist

"We divert from each other on an interpretation of the rule".

The New York Times - Sports

As in Soviet days, they rarely divert from the Kremlin's point of view.

The New York Times

It's cynical and it's trying to divert from the real issues.

The Guardian

Instead, Manetta asserted Tuesday that the university and the N.C.A.A. "divert from each other on interpretation".

The New York Times - Sports

And that is what they found, six books that resist generic categories and divert from formal expectations.

The Guardian - Books

"All of us here have become ever so professional," she said, explaining her decision to divert from her prepared speech.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's well beneath Graham Stringer to try to suggest we're doing this to divert from anything else".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "divert from" when you want to express a change in course, plan, or intention. Ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being diverted from.

Common error

Avoid using "divert from" when you simply mean 'to change'. "Divert from" implies a deviation from an expected or intended path, not just any alteration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "divert from" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a change in course, plan, or intention. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is used to express deviation from an expected or intended path. Examples show its application in various contexts, ranging from flight paths to abstract concepts like arguments or prepared speeches.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "divert from" is a frequently used phrasal verb that means to deviate or stray from a particular path, plan, or focus. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its usage spans across multiple contexts, primarily in news, scientific, and business domains. The related phrases, such as "deviate from" and "stray from", offer subtle differences in meaning, while the writing guidance emphasizes the importance of using the phrase accurately to convey a change in direction or intention. Knowing when and how to use "divert from" correctly will enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deviate from

Similar meaning, but slightly more formal.

stray from

Implies a wandering or unintentional departure.

veer away from

Suggests a change in direction or course.

depart from

More formal, indicating a conscious decision to move away.

digress from

Indicates a temporary departure, often in speech or writing.

turn aside from

Emphasizes the act of physically or figuratively turning away.

break away from

Suggests a more forceful or decisive separation.

deflect from

Indicates redirection, often to avoid something.

shy away from

Implies reluctance or avoidance.

get sidetracked from

Suggests a loss of focus due to distractions.

FAQs

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

You can use "divert from" to indicate a change in plan or direction, as in, "The pilot had to "divert from" the original flight path due to the storm".

What's a good alternative to "divert from"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "deviate from", "stray from", or "veer away from".

Is it correct to say "divert away from" instead of "divert from"?

While "divert" implies a change in direction, the phrase "divert from" is more common and idiomatic. Using "divert away from" is redundant because "divert" already suggests moving away.

What does it mean to "divert from" a task or goal?

To "divert from" a task or goal means to move away from the intended path or steps necessary to complete it, often due to distractions, changes in priorities, or unforeseen circumstances. Consider alternative phrases, such as "deviate from" the task.