Cool MateDivert vs Give it a rabbit to chase
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Divert
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
Give it a rabbit to chase
InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: DivertMost common: Divert
| Divert | Give it a rabbit to chase | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/daɪˈvɜːt/","/daɪˈvɜːts/","/daɪˈvɜːtɪd/","/daɪˈvɜːtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/daɪˈvɜːrt/","/daɪˈvɜːrts/","/daɪˈvɜːrtɪd/","/daɪˈvɜːrtɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ɡɪv ɪt ə ˈræbɪt tə tʃeɪs//🇺🇸 //ɡɪv ɪt ə ˈræbɪt tə tʃeɪs// |
| Meaning | to change the direction of something or to take someone's attention away | Let someone be distracted or entertained by something. |
| Example | The course of the stream has now been diverted. | If she's bored in the meeting, just give her a rabbit to chase! |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | divert traffic, divert attention, divert resources, divert funds, divert a conversation | give someone a distraction, give it some fun, chase after something, provide a diversion, entertain with games |
| Antonyms | direct, maintain, focus | - |
| Common mistakes | 'Divert' used without an object (e.g., saying 'He will divert.' instead of 'He will divert traffic.'), Confusing 'divert' with 'divide' where learners might think they mean the same thing., Using 'divert' in a context where 'entertain' or 'amuse' would be more appropriate. | Confused with 'give someone a reason to chase'., Using in a formal context where it's inappropriate., Misunderstanding the phrase's meaning; it's not literal. |
| Usage notes | Use 'divert' when discussing redirecting something, like traffic or attention. It works in both formal and informal contexts, but is less common in casual conversations. | This phrase is usually used in informal conversations to suggest providing someone with a distraction. It may not be suitable for formal writing or speeches. |
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Frequently asked questions: Divert vs Give it a rabbit to chase
What's the difference between Divert and Give it a rabbit to chase?
Divert: to change the direction of something or to take someone's attention away Give it a rabbit to chase: Let someone be distracted or entertained by something.
Which is more formal: Divert and Give it a rabbit to chase?
Divert is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Divert and Give it a rabbit to chase?
Divert is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Divert: The course of the stream has now been diverted. Give it a rabbit to chase: If she's bored in the meeting, just give her a rabbit to chase!
Can I use Divert and Give it a rabbit to chase interchangeably?
Not always. Divert and Give it a rabbit to chase 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.