Cool MateDeviate vs If anything goes sideways
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Deviate
Top 3,000 (common)B1verb
If anything goes sideways
Top 3,000 (common)
| Deviate | If anything goes sideways | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈdiːvieɪt/","/ˈdiːvieɪts/","/ˈdiːvieɪtɪd/","/ˈdiːvieɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈdiːvieɪt/","/ˈdiːvieɪts/","/ˈdiːvieɪtɪd/","/ˈdiːvieɪtɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ɪf ˈɛnɪθɪŋ ɡəʊz ˈsaɪdweɪz//🇺🇸 //ɪf ˈɛniˌθɪŋ ɡoʊz ˈsaɪdweɪz// |
| Meaning | To change from the usual path or way of doing something | If something goes wrong or doesn't happen as planned. |
| Example | The bus had to deviate from its usual route because of a road closure. | We have a solid plan, but if anything goes sideways, we can adapt. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | considerably, significantly, substantially, by, from | plan goes sideways, things go sideways, if nothing goes sideways, project goes sideways, event goes sideways |
| Antonyms | conform, adhere, follow | - |
| Common mistakes | Using 'deviate to' instead of 'deviate from' when noting the original path, Confusing 'deviate' with 'deviate' as a noun, Mixing up its formal tone with slang expressions | Confused with 'if everything goes smoothly'., 'Sideways' used incorrectly as a noun instead of an adverb. |
| Usage notes | Use 'deviate' when discussing shifts from expected behavior or plans. It's suitable in both formal and informal settings but is more commonly found in academic or technical contexts. | Use in informal discussions about potential problems. Less appropriate in strict formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Deviate vs If anything goes sideways
What's the difference between Deviate and If anything goes sideways?
Deviate: To change from the usual path or way of doing something If anything goes sideways: If something goes wrong or doesn't happen as planned.
Can you show an example of each?
Deviate: The bus had to deviate from its usual route because of a road closure. If anything goes sideways: We have a solid plan, but if anything goes sideways, we can adapt.
Can I use Deviate and If anything goes sideways interchangeably?
Not always. Deviate and If anything goes sideways are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.