took divergent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took divergent" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to describe a situation where something has taken a different path or direction, but it requires additional context or modification to be grammatically correct. Example: "The two paths took divergent routes through the forest."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

They took divergent paths.

The New Yorker

The two men took divergent paths to Texas.

The New York Times

Kidd and Bryant took divergent paths to the N.B.A. finals, ones almost as divergent as those of their teams.

The New York Times - Sports

Rand was less eager to discuss the events of the next decade, when his father's libertarianism and Reagan's conservatism gradually took divergent paths.

The New Yorker

Mr. McHenry and Mr. Stillman played most of the themes in unison, but otherwise they took divergent paths within Mr. Motian's music.

The New York Times - Arts

REGULATORS DIVIDED OVER CONSULTANTS  |  Federal and state regulators are united in a concern that consulting firms have produced shoddy work for banks, but they took divergent stances toward the consulting industry on Tuesday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

C16 BUSINESS DAY C1-13 Behemothsehemoths Diverge Two banking behemoths, Citigroup and Bank of America, are taking divergent paths.

The New York Times

Since emigrating, their lives have taken divergent paths.

The New York Times

Executives' testing stories take divergent paths to the same punch line.

The New Yorker

For the first time in years, U.S. and European policies on Iran are taking divergent paths.

The New Yorker

The young pitchers' teams have taken divergent paths over the last few seasons.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing paths, consider using stronger verbs like "diverged" or "split" to more clearly convey the idea of separation.

Common error

Avoid using "took divergent" without specifying what exactly was "taken". Instead, clarify the noun that is diverging, such as "they took divergent paths" or "the strategies took divergent turns".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took divergent" functions as part of a verb phrase, often followed by 'paths' or similar nouns, indicating a separation or branching off. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered incorrect in standard written English, suggesting a need for alternatives to achieve grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "took divergent" appears in various sources, it is considered grammatically incorrect by Ludwig AI. The phrase seeks to convey the idea of paths or directions separating and evolving differently, commonly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. Instead of "took divergent", consider alternatives such as "followed different paths" or "went separate ways" for improved clarity and grammatical correctness. Despite its presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times, opting for more standard phrasing enhances precision and professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

went separate ways

This alternative emphasizes the separation and individuality of the paths taken.

followed different paths

This option highlights the action of choosing and adhering to distinct routes.

diverged in their approaches

Focuses on the difference in methods or strategies used.

split off in different directions

This phrase underscores the physical or metaphorical act of splitting and moving away from a central point.

branched out on their own

Emphasizes independence and the development of unique trajectories.

charted different courses

Implies a deliberate planning and navigation of separate routes.

chose alternative routes

Highlights the selection of distinct and differing paths.

forged individual paths

Emphasizes the creation and development of unique routes, often through effort or difficulty.

drifted apart over time

Implies a gradual separation and divergence in paths due to the passage of time.

developed along separate lines

This alternative highlights independent evolution and progression.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "took divergent paths" to sound more natural?

Consider using alternatives like "followed different paths" or "went separate ways" for clearer and more common phrasing.

Is "took divergent" grammatically correct?

While "took divergent" appears in some publications, it's not considered standard English. It's better to use phrases like "diverged" or "followed different paths" to convey the meaning more accurately.

What does it mean when something "took divergent paths"?

It means that something, typically a plan or direction, split and developed in different ways or directions, leading to separate outcomes. A more precise way to say this would be, for example, that two teams "followed different paths".

What's a more formal alternative to "took divergent paths"?

For a formal context, consider using "diverged" or "charted different courses", which are more precise and professional-sounding alternatives.