What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
swerve
Example
The driver had to swerve to avoid hitting the deer on the road. [swerve: verb]
Example
The cyclist swerved to avoid the pothole on the street. [swerved: past tense]
deviate
Example
We had to deviate from our original route due to the road closure. [deviate: verb]
Example
His behavior deviated from his usual calm demeanor. [deviated: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deviate is more commonly used than swerve in everyday language. Deviate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while swerve is less common and more specific to driving or cycling situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between swerve and deviate?
Both swerve and deviate are relatively formal words, but deviate can be used in a wider range of formality levels, making it more versatile for both formal and informal contexts.
