What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
diverted
Example
The construction work diverted the flow of the river. [diverted: past tense]
Example
The teacher diverted the students' attention to the whiteboard. [diverted: verb]
Example
I was diverted from my original plan by the unexpected phone call. [diverted: past participle]
distracted
Example
The noise outside the window distracted me from my work. [distracted: past tense]
Example
She was too distracted by her thoughts to pay attention to the movie. [distracted: adjective]
Example
The child's constant questions were distracting the teacher from the lesson. [distracting: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Distracted is more commonly used than diverted in everyday language. Distracted is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while diverted is less common and usually used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between diverted and distracted?
Diverted is more formal than distracted. It is often used in technical or legal contexts to describe a change in direction or course of action.
