veer away from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "veer away from" is correct and generally accepted in written English.
You can use it to describe someone subtly changing the course of action or conversation away from a particular subject. For example, "The conversation started to veer away from its original topic, and everyone soon became lost."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's pretty natural for me to veer away from that".

The New York Times - Arts

After his death the prints often began to veer away from the originals.

The Economist

Indecent, noisy, exuberant celebrant of social types we would veer away from in private life.

Independent

Far more interesting are the works that veer away from scenery and enter more subjective territory.

The New York Times

It seems like a nice compromise, but would he like to veer away from urban films?

The Guardian - Film

"I thought it would veer away from 'Lord of the Flies' -- it's been done," he said.

The New York Times

This caused the price to veer away from that on other exchanges.

The Guardian - Tech

"I always say 'why not just veer away from the script?' Some directors will almost storyboard an entire film mentally.

Independent

"To veer away from the scripted dialog is a one-way trip to sudden death," he said.

The New York Times - Science

But in each case the stories veer away from expectations, and nearly every scene carries nuances that thwart assimilation.

The New York Times

He contends that the market hit a sweet spot and has begun to veer away from it.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "veer away from" when describing a subtle or gradual shift in direction, opinion, or behavior. It's particularly effective when the change isn't abrupt or dramatic but represents a notable departure from the previous course.

Common error

Avoid using "veer away from" to describe a sudden, drastic change. Opt for stronger verbs like 'abandon', 'reject', or 'renounce' when the shift is immediate and decisive, as "veer" implies a more gradual movement.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "veer away from" functions as a dynamic verb phrase, indicating a change in direction or a deviation from a particular course. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and generally accepted phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "veer away from" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe a gradual shift in direction or focus. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of contexts, from formal news reports to informal discussions. It is most frequently found in News & Media sources. When writing, remember that "veer away from" is best used for subtle changes rather than sudden, abrupt ones. Consider alternatives like "diverge from" or "deviate from" to fine-tune the nuance of your message. Use this knowledge to write with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diverge from

Indicates a branching off or moving in a different direction, often implying a more significant departure.

deviate from

Suggests straying from a standard, principle, or expected course.

stray from

Implies wandering or drifting away, often unintentionally.

depart from

Indicates a more formal and deliberate move away from something.

turn aside from

Suggests a conscious decision to avoid something.

shy away from

Implies reluctance or hesitation in approaching something.

recoil from

Suggests a sudden and strong reaction of aversion or disgust.

move away from

A more general phrase indicating a shift in position or focus.

break away from

Indicates a forceful separation or rebellion from something.

deflect from

Implies redirecting or warding off something, often a question or criticism.

FAQs

How can I use "veer away from" in a sentence?

Use "veer away from" to describe a gradual change in direction, topic, or behavior. For example: "The conversation started to "veer away from" the main topic."

What are some alternatives to "veer away from"?

Alternatives include "diverge from", "deviate from", or "stray from", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "veer away from" or "turn away from"?

"Veer away from" implies a more gradual and subtle change in direction compared to "turn away from", which suggests a more deliberate and immediate action. Choose the phrase that best reflects the nature of the change you're describing.

What's the difference between "veer away from" and "shy away from"?

"Veer away from" describes a change in direction or focus, while "shy away from" indicates reluctance or avoidance. They are not interchangeable; "shy away from" implies discomfort or fear, which "veer away from" does not.