to digress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to digress" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that someone is deviating from the main topic of discussion. Example: "I would like to address the main issue at hand, but I must digress for a moment to share an interesting story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

That is to digress.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Romney does not like to digress.

The New York Times

But I don't mean to digress.

The New Yorker

Damn, my girlish, honeycomb mind has caused me to digress.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Link's second collection has a McSweeney's-like tendency to digress, but does so without irony.

The New Yorker

At times, McEwan employs the pre-term voice to digress on some familiar preoccupations.

The Guardian - Books

Artists in their late work often feel free to digress and experiment.

The Guardian

In storytelling, Beattie writes, "we are not supposed to digress," but digress she does, constantly and knowingly.

The New York Times - Books

By the way, to digress for a minute, those who say the Internet killed newspapers should review their history.

The New York Times

First, to digress from the main point for a moment, aren't there serious ethical problems with this experiment?

The New Yorker

(If Mazzeo's book has a fault, it is a failure to digress more richly into Chanel's role in fashion).

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to digress" intentionally to signal a brief departure from the main topic, enhancing engagement by providing context or related information before returning to the original subject.

Common error

Avoid excessive or lengthy digressions that can confuse your audience. Keep digressions brief and relevant to the main topic to maintain clarity and focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to digress" primarily functions as an infinitive verb phrase indicating an intention or action of temporarily deviating from the main subject. Ludwig AI supports this with numerous examples showing its use in various contexts to introduce related but tangential information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the infinitive phrase "to digress" is a common and grammatically correct way to signal a temporary deviation from the main topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used in news, media, and science to provide context and related information before returning to the original subject. When using this phrase, ensure the digressions are brief and relevant to maintain clarity and focus. Alternatives include phrases such as "to stray from the point" or "to go off on a tangent", each offering slight nuances in meaning. Overall, "to digress" is a valuable tool for enriching communication while maintaining coherence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to stray from the point

This suggests a wandering away from the central topic.

to deviate from the subject

This emphasizes a departure from the main subject of discussion.

to wander off topic

Implies a casual or unintentional departure from the main subject.

to get sidetracked

Suggests being diverted from the main path of discussion by something else.

to go off on a tangent

Describes a sudden and often unexpected shift in topic.

to diverge from the main idea

Highlights a branching off from the central theme or concept.

to meander from the topic

This implies a slow and winding deviation from the main subject.

to stray from the narrative

Specifically refers to departing from the main storyline or account.

to turn aside from the issue

Indicates a deliberate turning away from the current problem or matter.

to lose focus

Highlights a loss of concentration on the main subject, leading to deviation.

FAQs

How can I use "to digress" in a sentence?

You can use "to digress" to indicate a temporary departure from the main subject. For example, "Before I explain the main problem, allow me "to digress" and provide some background information."

What does "to digress" mean?

"To digress" means to deviate or stray from the main topic or argument, often temporarily, before returning to the original point.

What are some alternatives to "to digress"?

Alternatives include phrases like "to stray from the point", "to deviate from the subject", or "to go off on a tangent".

When is it appropriate to use "to digress" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "to digress" when you want to briefly introduce a related but not directly relevant point, providing additional context or explanation, before returning to the primary subject.