veer from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "veer from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to mean to turn away, move away, or to deviate from something. For example: "The weather has veered from sunny skies to a thunderstorm in a matter of minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Greenberg's direction doesn't veer from the expected.

The Guardian

But consultants veer from psychological counseling.

The New York Times

Class discussions can veer from the eaten path.

Princeton University

Veer from the script, however, and the results are mixed.

The New Yorker

When she does veer from the snark, however, it's welcome.

The Washington Post

These raptures, though, veer from cliche to freshly minted clunker.

The Guardian - Music

But on some issues I veer from the noncommittal middle.

The New York Times

"But this is the area where I veer from some of my colleagues.

The New Yorker

The infatuations with face-saving veer from the tragic to the comic, usually by design.

The New York Times

It is refreshing to see him veer from the materials he's most accustomed to working with.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The convoy veered from lane to lane.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "veer from" when you want to emphasize a change in direction, behavior, or thought, especially when it's unexpected or deviates from a norm.

Common error

Avoid using "veer from" interchangeably with phrases like "stray from" or "diverge from" if you want to maintain precision. "Veer from" often implies a more sudden or deliberate change than "stray from", and is less formal than "diverge from".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "veer from" functions primarily as a verb of direction or deviation. It describes the act of changing course or departing from a previously established path, plan, or standard. This usage is supported by Ludwig AI's confirmation of the phrase's correctness and the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "veer from" is a versatile phrasal verb indicating a deviation from a set course, plan, or standard. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and numerous examples demonstrate its wide usage in news, business, and academic contexts. While similar to phrases like ""deviate from"" or ""stray from"", "veer from" often implies a more sudden or deliberate change. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the intended nuance of a change in direction or behavior, keeping in mind its neutral to slightly formal register. Avoid confusing it with similar terms to maintain precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deviate from

Implies a departure from an established norm, standard, or expectation.

depart from

Suggests a more formal or deliberate abandonment of a plan, route, or tradition.

diverge from

Indicates a branching off or separation from a common path or direction.

stray from

Implies a wandering or unintentional movement away from a designated area or topic.

drift from

Suggests a gradual and subtle shift away from an intended course or focus.

digress from

Specifically refers to moving away from the main subject in speech or writing.

break away from

Indicates a forceful or decisive separation from a group, idea, or constraint.

turn aside from

Suggests a conscious decision to avoid something, often due to moral or ethical considerations.

swerve from

Implies a sudden and often unexpected change in direction, usually to avoid an obstacle.

walk away from

Signifies a complete abandonment of a situation, responsibility, or relationship.

FAQs

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

Use "veer from" to indicate a deviation from an expected course, direction, or behavior. For example, "The company decided to "deviate from" its original plan" or "The conversation started to "stray from" the main topic".

What are some alternatives to "veer from"?

You can use alternatives such as "depart from", ""deviate from"", ""stray from"", or "diverge from" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "veer from" or "deviate from"?

"Veer from" and ""deviate from"" are similar, but "veer from" often implies a more sudden or unexpected change, while ""deviate from"" suggests a more planned or formal departure.

What does it mean to say someone "veered from" their principles?

It means they acted in a way that was inconsistent with their stated or generally held moral beliefs. It suggests they "departed from" or abandoned their ethical standards in a particular situation.