Meaning & use
diversion tactics
Last updated
Meaning
nounplural
Methods used to take someone's attention away from what is really happening or important.
Grammar: Used as a plural noun: 'Diversion tactics are common in politics.' Can be used with 'a' only in the singular 'diversion tactic', which is less common.
Patterns
- use diversion tactics
- diversion tactics to do something
- accuse someone of diversion tactics
The company used diversion tactics to hide its financial problems.
Politicians often rely on diversion tactics when they face criticism.
The army's diversion tactics confused the enemy about where the real attack would come.
Common combinations
- use diversion tactics
- The coach used diversion tactics to keep the other team guessing.
- political diversion tactics
- The scandal was seen as political diversion tactics.
- diversion tactics to avoid
- He employed diversion tactics to avoid answering the question.
Synonyms and how they differ
- distraction
- A single thing that takes attention away; 'diversion tactics' refers to a planned set of methods.
- smokescreen
- A specific action or story used to hide the truth; 'diversion tactics' is broader and can include many such actions.
Word family
Commonly confused: diversion tactics or diverse tactics?
diversion tactics vs diverse tactics
Means 'various different methods'; 'diversion tactics' means 'methods to distract'.
Practice
The spokesperson's answers were full of ______ to avoid the real issue.
Choose one answer.
'Diversion tactics' is the correct plural phrase meaning methods to distract. 'Diverse tactics' means various methods, not distracting ones. 'Diversion tactic' is singular and would need 'a' before it. 'Diverting tactics' is not a standard phrase.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “diversion tactics”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.