slight diversion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slight diversion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor change in direction or focus, often in the context of a conversation or plan. Example: "We may need to take a slight diversion from our original agenda to address some unexpected issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Among his key concerns are not job creation/displacement, but the impact on wages - a slight diversion, but too close to our question to ignore it.

The Guardian

We made a slight diversion to visit our grandparents' old farm in Leicestershire, then climbed back on to pedal over to Stratford-upon-Avon and along the edge of the Cotswolds.

The Guardian - Travel

In truth, it is the long answer, too, but with a slight diversion through cycling's limited revenue streams, the need for new audiences and the importance of television.

BBC

Reid, perhaps the leading proponent of the White House's hands-off approach, distanced himself from what appeared to be a slight diversion from that strategy.

Los Angeles Times

He recently signed on to play Chance The Rapper's huge homecoming festival in Chicago, which was a slight diversion from our fascination with former Cheers actress/Trump supporter Kirstie Alley's strange tweets about the producer.

Vice

The opening of the Gloucester and Berkeley Canal in 1825 required a slight diversion where they crossed at Saul, and the levels were adjusted by building a new lock on the Stroudwater below the junction, to ensure neither company lost water to the other.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

You will quickly notice that the final stage in particular demands all your attention, and that even the slightest diversion can destroy possibly productive days.

Science Magazine

The plot is slight and often nonsensical, with diversions into philosophy and mysticism which only enhance Pernath's sense of dislocation.

The Guardian - Books

Diversion averted.

The New York Times - Health

My diversion of choice?

The New York Times

What's a diversion?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slight diversion" to signal a planned, yet minor, change in topic or direction. It helps to maintain transparency and manage expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "slight diversion" excessively in formal documents like reports or academic papers. Overuse can make your writing sound less focused. Opt for more precise terms like "minor adjustment" or "necessary alteration" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight diversion" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI examples show it describes a minor deviation from a plan, route, or topic.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slight diversion" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English, indicating a minor change in direction or focus. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and suggests using alternatives like "minor detour" or "small deviation" depending on the context. While the phrase is most common in news and media, it is important to avoid overuse in formal writing. Use it to signal a minor change, ensuring transparency. Key authoritative sources include The Guardian and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor detour

Focuses on the aspect of a short detour in a journey or plan.

small deviation

Emphasizes the small scale of the departure from the original path.

brief digression

Highlights the temporary nature of the departure from the main subject.

minor alteration

Focuses on the aspect of a small change or adjustment.

small adjustment

Emphasizes making a minor correction or change to something.

short detour

Similar to minor detour but emphasizes the length of detour.

brief detour

Highlights the short nature of the detour.

tangential shift

Highlights the shift as related to a tangent.

passing digression

Emphasizes how the diversion is only briefly touched upon.

fleeting digression

Focuses on how quickly the diversion happened.

FAQs

How can I use "slight diversion" in a sentence?

You can use "slight diversion" to indicate a small change of direction or topic. For example, "We may need to take a slight diversion to address this issue".

What's a more formal way to say "slight diversion"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "minor deviation" or "small alteration" which convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

What are some common synonyms for "slight diversion"?

Some common synonyms include "minor detour", "brief digression", or "small deviation" depending on the specific context.

Is "slight diversion" appropriate for academic writing?

While "slight diversion" is grammatically correct, it may be too informal for some academic contexts. Consider using more precise and formal terms like "minor adjustment" or "necessary alteration" to maintain a professional tone.