it may deviate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it may deviate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the possibility of something differing from a standard, expectation, or norm. Example: "While the results are generally consistent, it may deviate due to external factors affecting the experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The system space specifies how the task is done in a redesigned system, including how it may deviate from the idealized space, and how the system supports or enforces task constraints.

Journal of Biomedical Informatics

Within cells, the ratio of GSH/GSSG is assumed to be about 100∶1 but in fact it may deviate from that considerably upon oxidative stress [28].

Plosone

Both heterozygosity and IBD probabilities can be used to estimate genetic diversity in specific regions of the genome, in which it may deviate from the average diversity calculated over the whole genome.

Genetics, Selection, Evolution

Although there is rich literature on the adaptive significance of animal communication since the pioneer work of Tinbergen (1963), the way habitat and habitat use have been adopted in several ecological and conservation biology studies largely ignores this aspect of integrating sensory inputs and how it may deviate from human perception.

Evolutionary Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The encyclical in its final form will remain a major church document and its influence is unlikely to be much diminished by the existence of a copy that may deviate from it in a few respects.

The Washington Post

It is shown that the bolometric lightcurve may deviate from monotonous decline when the late-time energy injection takes place via a secondary shock.

Advances in Space Research

The book value of equity may deviate from its market value.

Probability, Uncertainty and Quantitative Risk

On the other hand, the mass-effects perspective suggests that where dispersal is so frequent that it interferes with local community dynamics, community structure in a locality may deviate from that allowed by its environmental conditions [15], [16].

Plosone

Eight hours is the optimal amount of sleep for the average person, and while your actual needs may deviate slightly from the norm, it's best to be safe and aim for eight hours or more.

WikiHow

Several studies have shown that the actual thermal performance of buildings after construction may deviate significantly from its performance anticipated at design stage.

Energy and Buildings

Unlike the bulk pH, which is usually controlled at a suitable value, the intraparticle pH of immobilized enzymes may deviate significantly from its activity and stability optima.

BMC Biotechnology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it may deviate" when you want to express a possibility, not a certainty. It's suitable for describing potential differences from a norm or expectation.

Common error

Avoid using "it may deviate" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "it could differ" or "it might vary" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it may deviate" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a possibility or potentiality. Ludwig examples show its usage in contexts where something might differ from an expected norm, standard, or previous state.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

12.5%

Academia

12.5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it may deviate" is a grammatically correct modal verb phrase used to express the possibility of something differing from a standard or expected norm. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase. While not extremely common, its usage spans various domains, including science, news, and academia. Alternatives include "it could diverge" and "it might differ". When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the context and avoid overuse to maintain writing clarity and engagement. Use it to indicate possibilities, not certainties, and be mindful of potential redundancies in writing. In conclusion, "it may deviate" is a valuable addition to your lexicon when expressing a potential for variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could diverge

Expresses a similar possibility of moving in a different direction or varying from a standard.

it might differ

Indicates a possibility of being dissimilar or not conforming to the expected.

it can vary

Highlights the potential for fluctuation or inconsistency.

it may diverge slightly

Similar to "it may deviate" but adds emphasis on the small amount of divergence.

it could be different

Expresses the possibility of an alternative state or condition.

it might stray

Suggests wandering or departing from a defined path or course.

it can depart

Implies a formal or significant divergence from a rule or standard.

it may not conform

Indicates a lack of adherence to a specific rule or expectation.

it might fluctuate

Focuses on the potential for irregular variation or change.

it can stray slightly

Similar to "it might stray" but adds emphasis on the small amount of divergence.

FAQs

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

Use "it may deviate" to suggest a possibility of something differing from an expected norm or standard. For example: "While the results are generally consistent, it may deviate slightly under specific conditions."

What are some alternatives to "it may deviate"?

You can use alternatives like "it could diverge", "it might differ", or "it can vary" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it may deviate" in formal writing?

"It may deviate" is suitable in formal writing when discussing potential variations or discrepancies, particularly in scientific, academic, or technical contexts.

What's the difference between "it may deviate" and "it will deviate"?

"It may deviate" indicates a possibility or chance of deviation, while "it will deviate" indicates a certainty. The former expresses uncertainty, while the latter expresses a definite future outcome.