take a diversion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take a diversion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a temporary change in direction or focus, often in the context of travel or discussion. Example: "Due to road construction, we had to take a diversion to reach our destination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Passing hordes of kissy couples and Aston Martins on the road towards the hotel, we take a diversion along the river.

Independent

Tempting as it may be to take a diversion into the life and works of the fascist statistician who devised the coefficient, Corrado Gini, that can surely wait till next week.

The Guardian - Sport

Oakley and Weinstein decided to do a Skinner and Bart episode because the staff wanted to take a diversion from the relatively wacky, fast-paced episodes that had comprised Season 5 so far and, according to show runner David Mirkin, "slow down parts of the show to take time for more emotional episodes like this one".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

And he took a diversion and flew to Spain.

The New York Times - Arts

The road through Birkenhead had taken a diversion to Damascus.

Independent

I took a diversion after Charleston to see the revival of Speaking in Tongues.

The Guardian - Books

I move towards the third arrondissement, taking a diversion to avoid the Saturday afternoon shoppers at Les Halles.

Princeton University

At this point there's a choice between following the trail upriver, or taking a diversion on to Canvey Island.

The Guardian - Travel

Invigorated, I get back on my bike and head home, perhaps taking a diversion via Look Mum No Hands!

The Guardian - Travel

But it took a diversion and, like a tourist stuck in the wrong lane on the M25 heading to Heathrow, it was Gatwick next stop.

Independent

The driver took a diversion from their usual route, telling Abu Issa he was using a shortcut as he drove down a deserted alley.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take a diversion", ensure the context clearly indicates whether the diversion is intentional or due to unforeseen circumstances. For instance, "We decided to take a diversion to explore the scenic route."

Common error

Avoid using "take a diversion" when a simple change of plans is sufficient. A diversion implies a more significant departure from the original intention than a slight adjustment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a diversion" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage. Examples show it in the context of changing routes or topics.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take a diversion" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a change in direction, route, or focus. While deemed correct and usable by Ludwig AI, its frequency is rare. This expression appears primarily in News & Media, Academia, and Science sources. While versatile, consider the context to determine if a more specific alternative might be more appropriate. When incorporating this phrase into your writing, ensure that the diversion's nature (intentional or unintentional) is clear. Ultimately, although grammatically sound, writers should consider whether more specific alternatives are available.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a detour

Emphasizes a temporary change in route or direction, often to avoid an obstacle.

take a detour

Mirrors the original phrase closely, highlighting a planned or unplanned deviation.

go off course

Suggests a deviation from an intended path or plan, often implying a loss of focus.

deviate from the path

Highlights a departure from a set route or plan, often with a sense of exploration or unexpectedness.

stray from the course

Implies a wandering or unintentional departure from the intended route.

diverge from the norm

Focuses on a departure from typical or expected behavior or patterns.

veer off track

Suggests a sudden or sharp change in direction or focus.

switch gears

Indicates a change in approach or focus, often in a more figurative sense.

change direction

A general term for altering the course of action or thought.

shift focus

Emphasizes a change in attention or emphasis.

FAQs

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

You can use "take a diversion" to describe a change in route or focus. For example, "We had to "make a detour" and take a diversion because of the road closure".

What's the difference between "take a diversion" and ""make a detour""?

While similar, "take a diversion" can imply a broader range of changes, including shifts in topic or strategy, whereas ""make a detour"" typically refers to a physical change in route.

Is it appropriate to use "take a diversion" in formal writing?

Yes, "take a diversion" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing a deliberate change in strategy or direction. However, consider alternatives like "change direction" or "shift focus" for a more nuanced tone.

What can I say instead of "take a diversion"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "go off course", "deviate from the path", or simply "change direction".