Cool MateDeviate vs Step out of line
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Deviate
Top 3,000 (common)B1verb
Step out of line
Top 3,000 (common)
| Deviate | Step out of line | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈdiːvieɪt/","/ˈdiːvieɪts/","/ˈdiːvieɪtɪd/","/ˈdiːvieɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈdiːvieɪt/","/ˈdiːvieɪts/","/ˈdiːvieɪtɪd/","/ˈdiːvieɪtɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //stɛp aʊt əv laɪn//🇺🇸 //stɛp aʊt əv laɪn// |
| Meaning | To change from the usual path or way of doing something | To behave improperly or break the rules. |
| Example | The bus had to deviate from its usual route because of a road closure. | If you step out of line at work, you may face consequences. |
| 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 | step out of line at work, step out of line in class, step out of line with friends |
| 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 | Confusing it with 'step in line', which means to conform, 'Out of the line' is incorrect; the correct phrase is 'out of line' |
| 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 this phrase when discussing behavior that deviates from expected norms. It's more colloquial and can imply a minor to moderate transgression. |
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Frequently asked questions: Deviate vs Step out of line
What's the difference between Deviate and Step out of line?
Deviate: To change from the usual path or way of doing something Step out of line: To behave improperly or break the rules.
Can you show an example of each?
Deviate: The bus had to deviate from its usual route because of a road closure. Step out of line: If you step out of line at work, you may face consequences.
Can I use Deviate and Step out of line interchangeably?
Not always. Deviate and Step out of line 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.