may diverge from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may diverge from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something might differ or deviate from a particular standard, expectation, or norm. Example: "The results of the study may diverge from previous research findings, suggesting new avenues for exploration."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sometimes, however, the interests of individual regulators may diverge from those of the public.

Yale University

Because children have significantly less experience with ideologies, their reasoning may diverge from adults.

Harvard University

These findings suggest that the ecological consequences of climate change may diverge from present expectations.

The New York Times

Russia is likely to want to mediate the North Korean crisis and may diverge from the American approach.

The New York Times

Occasionally, a student's research may diverge from the area of competence of the adviser, or irreconcilable differences may occur between the student and the faculty adviser.

Stanford University

Florida's Latinos include many Cubans, who vote Republican more frequently than other Latinos and whose views may diverge from those of the Hispanic population as a whole.

The New York Times

In theory, the same is true for the United States, where the tax code encourages citizens to support nonprofit groups that may diverge from official policy, as long as their missions are educational, religious or charitable.

The New York Times

However, during the first year or beyond, a student's research may diverge from the advisor's area of expertise or specialization, or irreconcilable differences may occur between the student and the faculty advisor.

Stanford University

We study the design of an interesting case, in which a bus operating in a public transport route may diverge from its nominal path to pick-up passengers with limited mobility and drop them off at their destination.

Transportation Research Part B: Methodological

The commission said that while the bureau had made progress in overhauling counterterrorism operations, its investigation "also found gaps between some of the announced reforms and the reality in the field". One concern was that the F.B.I.'s 56 field offices still retain the power to reallocate agents and resources to local concerns that may diverge from national security.

The New York Times

However, in a Valentine's Day speech which opened as a love letter to remainers, the foreign secretary also underlined the benefits of separation, setting out areas where the UK may diverge from EU regulation, including financial services, stem cell research and environmental regulation to loosen planning laws.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may diverge from", ensure the context clearly establishes the reference point from which the divergence occurs. This prevents ambiguity and ensures the intended meaning is conveyed effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "may diverge from" when a stronger assertion of difference is warranted. "Diverge" implies a notable departure, not just a minor variation. Choose a more appropriate verb like "differ" if the distinction is subtle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may diverge from" functions as a verb phrase expressing a possibility or potential for deviation or difference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. Examples show it describing differences in research, opinions, and even physical paths.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

25%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may diverge from" is a versatile expression used to indicate a potential difference or deviation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically sound and frequently found in academic, scientific, and news contexts. When using it, ensure the context clearly defines the point of reference and avoid using it for minor variations. Consider alternatives like "might differ from" or "could deviate from" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may deviate from

Slightly more formal than "may diverge from", emphasizing a departure from a standard.

could diverge from

Highlights the possibility of branching off in a different direction.

might differ from

Implies a possibility of difference, similar to diverging, but focuses more on distinct characteristics.

could deviate from

Suggests a potential departure from an established path or standard.

might vary from

Highlights the possibility of fluctuation or inconsistency compared to a norm.

could depart from

Emphasizes a more formal or significant deviation than simply differing.

may separate from

Indicates a potential physical or conceptual detachment.

might stray from

Suggests a wandering or unintentional departure from a course.

may differ with

Indicates a disagreement or difference in opinion.

might branch out from

Suggests the potential development of new and distinct areas.

FAQs

How can I use "may diverge from" in a sentence?

Use "may diverge from" to indicate that something might differ or deviate from a particular standard, expectation, or norm. For example: "The results of the study "may diverge from" previous research findings, suggesting new avenues for exploration."

What can I say instead of "may diverge from"?

You can use alternatives like "might differ from", "could deviate from", or "might vary from" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "may diverge with" instead of "may diverge from"?

While "diverge" can sometimes be used with "with" to indicate disagreement, in the context of deviations or differences, it's more common and grammatically sound to use ""may diverge from"".

What is the difference between "may differ from" and "may diverge from"?

"May differ from" generally implies a simple difference or dissimilarity, while ""may diverge from"" suggests a more significant departure or deviation, often implying a branching out in different directions.