What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deviate
Example
The plane had to deviate from its flight path due to bad weather. [deviate: verb]
Example
His behavior deviated from the usual pattern, causing concern. [deviated: past tense]
digress
Example
I don't mean to digress, but have you heard about the new restaurant in town? [digress: verb]
Example
Let's not digress too much from the main topic of the presentation. [digressing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deviate is less common than digress in everyday language. Deviate is often used in technical or formal contexts, while digress is more commonly used in informal or conversational contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between deviate and digress?
Deviate is more formal than digress. It is often used in technical or academic writing, while digress is more casual and can be used in everyday conversation or writing.
