veered off

USAGE SUMMARY

"veered off" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a change in direction or a sudden change in course or plans. For example, "The ship veered off its original path and headed for calmer waters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But had the plane really veered off?

The New Yorker

But that trip also veered off script.

The New York Times

But Mr. Romney veered off course.

The New York Times

"He never veered off his own path".

The Guardian - Music

Thereafter the script veered off piste.

The Guardian - Sport

But he veered off into jazz at an early age.

The Guardian - Music

But instead he veered off to enthusiastically greet bystanders.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

On June 1 , 1987 however, Loury's life veered off-track.

The New York Times - Magazine

Yet if his political outbursts frequently veered off-piste, his prose transcended divides.

The Economist

The plane was shot when it veered off-course and strayed into Soviet territory.

BBC

Studio publicists cut short junket TV interviews if the line of questioning veered off-script.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "veered off" to indicate an unexpected or unintended change in course or direction, whether literal or figurative.

Common error

Avoid using "veered off" when a planned or intentional change of course is meant. Alternatives like "diverted" or "redirected" may be more appropriate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

Veered off functions as a phrasal verb, typically used intransitively. It describes the action of changing direction suddenly, either literally (as in a vehicle) or figuratively (as in a conversation or plan). As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Veered off is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe a sudden change in direction, either physically or figuratively. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It's commonly found in news and media, but also appears in academic and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in defining the subject and object and be mindful of the connotation of unexpected change. For planned changes, consider alternatives like "diverted" or "redirected". Related phrases include "deviated from", "strayed from", and "swerved from", each offering a slightly different nuance. The phrase is highly frequent and widely understood, making it a valuable addition to your writing vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

veered away from

Similar to "veered off", but emphasizes the act of moving away.

deviated from

Focuses on the act of straying from a set path or standard.

strayed from

Emphasizes a wandering or unintentional departure from a course.

diverged from

Highlights a branching off or separation from a main route or idea.

swerved from

Implies a sudden and often uncontrolled change in direction.

departed from

Suggests a formal or deliberate deviation.

wandered from

Indicates a gradual and undirected deviation.

got sidetracked

Informal way to describe a shift in focus or direction.

digressed from

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

went off on a tangent

Informal, suggesting a sudden and often unrelated shift in topic.

FAQs

How can I use "veered off" in a sentence?

You can use "veered off" to describe a sudden change in direction or course. For example: "The car "swerved off" the road", or "The discussion "diverged from" the main topic".

What's the difference between "veered off" and "deviated from"?

"Veered off" often implies a more abrupt or sudden change, while "deviated from" suggests a more gradual departure from a set path or standard.

What are some alternatives to "veered off"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "strayed from", ""diverged from"", or "swerved from".

Is "veered off" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "veered off" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, as evidenced by its use in news articles, academic papers, and business reports.