marked divergence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "marked divergence" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe an obvious or noticeable difference between two things, and is usually used in a negative context. For example, you could say "This policy has caused a marked divergence between what was expected and the actual results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

For centuries children had been dressed as miniature adults, but in the 1770s there was a marked divergence from this established custom.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The study also found evidence of marked divergence in the relative emotional content of British and American English beginning in the 1960s.

The New York Times

By contrast, most British economic indicators, from interest rates to unemployment, show a marked divergence from continental Europe, and there are much broader economic implications for Britain's economy than there were in Denmark's case.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The euro may have abolished market-based nominal exchange rates but it has led to marked divergences in real exchange rates (see chart).

The Economist

First, in the realm of hedonic evaluation, there are marked divergences between the aggregate sums of in-the-moment pleasures and pains and ex post memories of pleasures and pains.

SEP

This became known as English spacing, and marked a divergence from French typists, who continued to use French spacing.

Wikipedia

For a start the trend might mark a divergence from how our economy has recovered from recession in the past.

BBC

The restored Bath Bottom Lock marks the divergence of the River Avon and the canal.

Wikipedia

Bath Locks mark the divergence of the River Avon and the canal, 656 yards south of Pulteney Bridge.

Wikipedia

The GOP nods mark a divergence for the unions, which are typically among the largest Democratic donors.

Huffington Post

It would be one thing if the day marked a real divergence from the American pattern of consumption -- ending months of barely enough with suddenly too much.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "marked divergence" to highlight a significant and often unexpected difference between two or more things, especially when emphasizing a deviation from a previous state or trend.

Common error

Avoid using "marked divergence" when a simple comparison would suffice. The phrase is most effective when the difference is noteworthy and carries some significance beyond a mere contrast.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "marked divergence" functions as a noun phrase, where "marked" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "divergence". As indicated by Ludwig, it describes a noticeable difference between two or more things.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "marked divergence" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a significant and noticeable difference. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, with a prevalence in news, encyclopedias and scientific publications. When writing, consider using related phrases like "significant difference" or "noticeable contrast" for subtle variations in meaning. Ensure that the divergence is genuinely noteworthy to warrant using this somewhat formal expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant difference

Emphasizes the importance or consequence of the difference.

noticeable contrast

Highlights the clear distinction between two things.

distinct separation

Focuses on the clear division or detachment between elements.

clear distinction

Stresses the unambiguous nature of the difference.

sharp contrast

Indicates a striking and easily perceived difference.

pronounced difference

Highlights the obvious and easily observed nature of the difference.

evident disparity

Stresses the inequality or imbalance that is clearly visible.

obvious deviation

Points out the clear departure from a standard or expected course.

considerable variation

Highlights the extent and significance of the differences.

substantial gap

Emphasizes the size and importance of the difference.

FAQs

How can I use "marked divergence" in a sentence?

You can use "marked divergence" to describe a notable difference between two things. For example: "There's a /s/significant+difference in test scores between the two groups" or "The /s/noticeable+contrast between the two policies highlights a shift in priorities".

What can I say instead of "marked divergence"?

You can use alternatives like "significant difference", "noticeable contrast", or "distinct separation" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "marked divergence" or "clear difference"?

While both phrases are correct, "marked divergence" suggests a more significant and potentially unexpected deviation than a simple "clear difference". Choose the phrase that best reflects the degree of difference you want to emphasize.

What's the difference between "marked divergence" and "slight divergence"?

"Marked divergence" implies a substantial and easily noticeable difference, while "slight divergence" suggests a small and perhaps less important difference. The choice depends on the magnitude of the deviation.