it can deviate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can deviate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the possibility of something straying from a standard, norm, or expected outcome. Example: "In statistical analysis, the results can deviate from the predicted values due to various factors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The Mini Cooper's appearance, you see, is its signature feature, one from which it can deviate in only subtle ways.

BBC

"It can deviate from routine when higher interests require it, if the government approves".

The New York Times

The central bank put the yuan's central rate - from which it can deviate 2% in a single day - at 6.4010 yuan for $1, a drop of 1.11% from the previous day's 6.3306.

The Guardian - Business

Long-time measurements using differential thermocouples revealed that preferential orientation of LSC is along of one of the diagonals, however it can deviate from exact diagonal orientation.

International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer

However, if the consumer is "smarter", it can deviate to a slightly lower action than (a^_{n}) to avoid being detected but still gains some increased utility (of course, since there is noise, the probability of being detected is higher if its selected action is closer to ({a^{d}_{n}})).

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

For example, a dataset might exhibit periodicity in the distribution of fragment size lengths, presenting itself as numerous smaller peaks along the curve (often seen when chromatin is enzymatically digested rather than sonicated), or it can deviate from the standard unimodal pattern (aside from the phantom peak) indicating issues with size selection.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It is known that within a protein the pKa of its residues can deviate substantially from the pKa of the free amino acids.

Plosone

In considering the sequence of these presumptive ERE, it is known that they can deviate substantially from the consensus sequence (O'Lone et al., 2004).

Gene

In the present paper, we show that under nonstationary driving conditions, the magnetosphere can deviate from its steady critical state.

Advances in Space Research

It is found that when the pressure changes it alters the superimposed contribution and the mass flow measurement can deviate from the reference condition.

Flow Measurement and Instrumentation

Indeed, mistranslated proteins are folding substrates of Hsp70 chaperones and can deviate Ssa1 from its interaction with Cdc25p [ 72], lowering its activity and decreasing Ras1/2 - Cyr1 activity, cAMP production and PKA activity [ 73].

BMC Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it can deviate" to describe a permissible or expected departure from a norm or standard, emphasizing the flexibility or variability of a system or process.

Common error

Avoid using "it can deviate" excessively in highly formal or technical writing where more precise or descriptive language may be preferred. Consider alternatives like "it may diverge" or "it is subject to variation" for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can deviate" functions as a modal expression indicating the possibility or permission for something to diverge from a norm, standard, or expected path. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it can deviate" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, albeit relatively rare in occurrence. According to Ludwig, it serves to indicate the possibility of something straying from a norm or standard. Predominantly found in news and scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. While grammatically correct, being mindful of context and occasionally opting for more descriptive language may enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it can stray

Replaces "deviate" with "stray", implying a wandering or unintentional departure.

it can diverge

Uses "diverge" to suggest a branching or separation from a common point.

it can diverge from

Adds "from" to explicitly state the point of departure

it can vary

Employs "vary" to indicate a change or fluctuation within a range.

it is able to deviate

Adds "able to" to emphasize the capability of deviation

it can depart

Substitutes "deviate" with "depart", implying a more formal or significant departure.

it has the capacity to deviate

Uses a more formal structure to express the potential for deviation.

it can drift

Suggests a gradual or unintentional movement away from a set course.

it might deviate

Weakens the assertion with "might", indicating a possibility rather than a certainty.

it could deviate

Similar to "might", suggests a potential for deviation.

FAQs

How can I use "it can deviate" in a sentence?

The phrase "it can deviate" is used to indicate that something has the ability to move away from a standard, norm, or expectation. For example: "The model "it can deviate" from the projected outcome under certain conditions."

What are some alternatives to "it can deviate"?

Alternatives to "it can deviate" include phrases like "it can vary", "it can diverge", or "it can stray", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it can deviate" formal or informal?

The phrase "it can deviate" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or technical writing, more precise language may be preferred.

What does it mean when something "can deviate"?

When something "can deviate", it means that it has the potential or ability to depart from a set path, standard, or expected behavior. The extent and nature of the deviation depend on the context.