What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sidetracked
Example
I got sidetracked by social media and ended up spending hours scrolling through my feed. [sidetracked: past tense]
Example
Let's not get sidetracked by this minor issue and focus on the main problem at hand. [sidetracked: verb]
deflected
Example
He deflected the question by changing the subject. [deflected: past tense]
Example
She deflected the criticism by blaming someone else for the mistake. [deflected: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sidetracked is more commonly used than deflected in everyday language, especially in informal contexts. Deflected is more formal and less commonly used, but it can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sidetracked and deflected?
Deflected is more formal than sidetracked and is typically used in more professional or academic settings. Sidetracked is more casual and is commonly used in everyday conversations.
