stray from

USAGE SUMMARY

"stray from" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to veer off from a path, to wander from a course, or to deviate from a direction. For example, "The professor told the students to stray from the topics we had discussed in our last class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Contemporary haiku may stray from nature as a subject.

WikiHow

"They didn't stray from that.

The New York Times

I don't need to stray from that.

The Guardian

"Don't stray from me again," she warned.

The New York Times

After all, sometimes it pays to stray from the original.

The New York Times - Food

In my kitchen, I stray from the authentic recipes.

The New York Times - Food

"I don't stray from the center of town.

The New York Times

He didn't intend to stray from fiction for so long.

The New York Times - Magazine

But their new furniture collection doesn't stray from tradition.

The New York Times

"Happy Birthday" in many ways doesn't stray from formula.

The New York Times

They stray from ecclesiastical doctrine in other ways, too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stray from" when you want to indicate a departure from a norm, plan, or expected behavior. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "stray from" when you mean to completely abandon something. "Stray from" implies a temporary or partial deviation, not a permanent abandonment.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "stray from" is that of a phrasal verb. It typically acts as a verb modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a departure or deviation. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stray from" is a versatile phrasal verb that signifies a deviation from an established path, plan, or standard. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Scientific contexts. While alternatives like "deviate from" and "wander from" exist, the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Be mindful of the connotation; "stray from" suggests a partial or temporary departure, not complete abandonment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deviate from

Focuses on departing from an established course or standard.

wander from

Implies a more aimless or unintentional departure.

veer away from

Suggests a sudden or sharp change in direction or focus.

depart from

Emphasizes a formal or deliberate move away from something.

diverge from

Highlights the branching out into a different direction.

digress from

Specifically refers to moving away from the main topic in speech or writing.

drift from

Conveys a gradual and subtle shift away from the original point.

break away from

Indicates a forceful or decisive separation from a tradition or expectation.

turn aside from

Suggests a conscious decision to avoid a particular path or action.

walk away from

Implies abandoning or rejecting a commitment or responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "stray from" in a sentence?

Use "stray from" to indicate a deviation from a path, plan, or idea. For example, "The speaker began to "stray from" the main topic."

What are some alternatives to "stray from"?

You can use alternatives like "deviate from", "wander from", or "diverge from" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "deviate from" or "stray from"?

"Deviate from" is more formal and suggests a deliberate departure, while ""stray from"" can imply a more unintentional or casual departure. The best choice depends on the specific context and tone you want to convey.

What does it mean to "stray from" the point?

To ""stray from" the point" means to digress or move away from the central topic of a discussion or argument. It implies losing focus on the main issue.