stray from the point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stray from the point" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when someone is discussing an issue and is not remaining focused on the main topic. For example: During the meeting, the team members started to stray from the point and discuss tangential topics.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Try not to stray from the point.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

When she brought that up during her filibuster, the lieutenant governor ruled she had strayed from the point.

The New York Times

Don't cram so much information inside that you lose your reader, stray from the main point, or make your point hard to understand.

WikiHow

One of the main problems with solar cooling using ejectors is that the ejector cannot operate well if the operating conditions stray from the design point temperatures.

Solar Energy

The few coaches who were brave enough to stray from the talking points about new markets and greater recruiting areas reluctantly pointed out the volatility the conference faces.

The New York Times - Sports

In the heat of a merger, there comes a point at which a sales leader must stray from the normal, repetitive corporate messaging, and communicate new information.

Huffington Post

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

But there are reasons to stray from the beaten path.

Forbes

Occasional news reports stray from the narrow baseline.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting an argument, avoid tangents, since it may make the audience to not understand the focus of your speech. To avoid tangents, try to summarize the topics to treat.

Common error

Avoid loading your writing with too many irrelevant details, as this can weaken your argument and confuse your audience. If a detail does not directly support your main point, consider omitting it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stray from the point" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deviation or digression from the main topic or argument under discussion. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, this is a commonly recognized expression in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

30%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stray from the point" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a deviation from the main topic or argument. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is widely recognized and accepted in English. It appears frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, indicating its broad applicability. To use it effectively, ensure that any digressions are brief and clearly linked back to the central theme, avoiding excessive tangential information that could confuse your audience. Alternatives such as "deviate from the subject" or "lose focus" can be used for variety, as the initial query is very well-known. Therefore, its use should be diminished.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deviate from the subject

Focuses on changing the topic of discussion.

veer off-topic

Emphasizes a sudden change in subject.

get sidetracked

Suggests a temporary distraction from the main topic.

lose focus

Highlights a loss of concentration on the primary subject.

wander from the issue

Implies moving aimlessly away from the core problem.

digress from the matter

Indicates a formal departure from the subject at hand.

get off the subject

A more direct way of saying someone is no longer talking about the main topic.

go off on a tangent

Describes a sudden and often unrelated departure from the main topic.

ramble on

Suggests speaking at length without a clear direction or connection to the main topic.

not stick to the subject

Simply suggests that you're not maintaining your focus on what is relevant.

FAQs

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

You can use "stray from the point" to indicate that someone is digressing or not sticking to the main topic of discussion. For example, "During the presentation, the speaker began to stray from the point and discuss unrelated anecdotes."

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

To "stray from the point" means to deviate from the main subject or argument, often by introducing irrelevant or tangential information.

What are some alternatives to "stray from the point"?

Alternatives to "stray from the point" include "deviate from the subject", "veer off-topic", or "lose focus".

How do I avoid "straying from the point" in my writing?

To avoid "straying from the point", create a clear outline before you begin writing, stick to relevant information, and regularly check that each paragraph supports your main argument. Don't include too much information as it can be confusing.