What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
diverging
Example
The two roads diverged in a yellow wood. [diverged: past tense]
Example
The company's profits are diverging from last year's figures. [diverging: present participle]
deviating
Example
The plane deviated from its flight path due to bad weather. [deviated: past tense]
Example
The project is deviating from the original plan. [deviating: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deviate is more commonly used than diverge in everyday language. Deviate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while diverge is less common and often used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between diverging and deviating?
While diverge is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, deviate is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
