it could diverge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it could diverge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the possibility of something deviating or straying from a particular path, idea, or outcome. Example: "While the project is on track, there are several factors that could influence its direction, and it could diverge from our original plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

On Garrett's interpretation, the power of a mind and the power of its constituent ideas could diverge.

SEP

Its comorbid patterns could diverge from ADHD youths growing up in less-intact families as well as ethnically mixed ADHD samples.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Based on the phylogenetic trees, it was hypothesized that GAPD could diverge to the isoenzymes around the origin of Bilateria, but as only vertebrates have retained GAPD-2, this scenario seems unlikely.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

In yet another sign of how the next administration could diverge from those it follows, Michael R. Bloomberg will travel in his own plane on Monday on his first official international trip since winning the office of mayor.

The New York Times

And for the first time, it is possible that the interests of the public shareholders could diverge from the interests of the investors in the buyout funds, at least in the short term.

The New York Times

In group theory and topology, by contrast, it simply makes no sense to talk about "intuitive notions" which could diverge from the notion specified by the relevant axioms.[42] In a similar vein, set theorists sometimes debate whether we should add new axioms to the standard axioms of set theory e.g., large cardinal axioms, or axioms like V=L, or even just axioms like Con(ZFC).

SEP

With a new story that may implicate Ms. Stewart but exonerate Mr. Bacanovic, their paths could diverge.

The New York Times

But Stephen Kinnock, one of the Labour advocates for Norway-plus, said the Efta court could diverge from the European court of justice, and that the Efta treaty allowed for an emergency brake on migration in exceptional circumstances.

The Guardian

GRETNA, Scotland — It began in July with a single stone placed along a bend in the River Sark, the muddy trickle in a sea of green fields where Scotland and England meet — and where they could diverge if Scots choose to break from Britain in Thursday's independence vote.

The Washington Post

In economics jargon, the UK seems to be suffering from an extreme variant of the Houthakker-Magee effect – named after two economists who discovered in 1969 that price elasticities for imports and exports could diverge substantially, giving rise to a permanent tendency towards current-account imbalance.

The Guardian - Business

As a result, quality judgements in an interactive situation could diverge from those obtained in a passive situation of assessment.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it could diverge" to introduce a possibility, not a certainty. Ensure the context clearly establishes the conditions under which divergence might occur.

Common error

Avoid using "it could diverge" when a more definitive statement is appropriate. If evidence strongly suggests a divergence is inevitable, use language that reflects a higher degree of certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it could diverge" functions as a modal expression indicating a possibility or potential. It suggests that a deviation or separation is not definite but is within the realm of what might happen. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it could diverge" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the possibility of deviation or separation. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, there are no exact examples found in the provided search data, which indicates a very rare usage. It functions as a modal expression, conveying uncertainty about a future outcome. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, though primarily in scientific, news, and business domains. When writing, ensure that the possibility of divergence is clearly established and that the phrase is not used in place of more definitive language when certainty is warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it might deviate

Replaces "could" with "might", indicating a slightly lower probability of divergence.

it may separate

Uses "separate" instead of "diverge", focusing on the act of becoming distinct.

it could branch off

Employs "branch off" to suggest a forking path or alternative direction.

it might go astray

Uses "go astray" to imply a deviation from the intended or correct course.

it may differ

Substitutes "diverge" with "differ", highlighting the potential for dissimilarity.

it could become distinct

Replaces "diverge" with a phrase emphasizing the emergence of distinct characteristics.

it may fork

Uses "fork" to suggest a split into two or more paths.

it might split

Employs "split" to indicate a division or separation into distinct parts.

it could take a different turn

Suggests a change in direction or approach.

it may evolve differently

Focuses on the potential for separate evolutionary paths or development.

FAQs

How can I use "it could diverge" in a sentence?

Use "it could diverge" to express a possibility of something deviating from a current path or expectation. For example, "While the project is on track, it could diverge if new challenges arise."

What are some alternatives to saying "it could diverge"?

You can use alternatives like "it might deviate", "it may separate", or "it could branch off" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "it could diverge" and "it will diverge"?

"It could diverge" suggests a possibility, while "it will diverge" indicates a certainty. The former is hypothetical; the latter is a prediction.

In what situations is it best to use "it could diverge"?

It's best used when discussing potential future scenarios where a current course might change, split, or deviate due to various influences or decisions. For example when discussing a project that "it might go astray" due to unforeseen factors.