a bit crooked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit crooked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not straight or aligned properly, often in a figurative sense as well. Example: "The picture frame hung a bit crooked on the wall, which made the room feel slightly off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

After all, my tagline is: We're all a bit crooked.

Huffington Post

Sure enough, "Insanity" has always been a bit crooked on the stretchers.

Huffington Post

Ms. Dinoire's is a bit crooked, with one side slightly higher and one eye more open.

The New York Times - Health

The tree stood a bit crooked, and the only thing under it was an empty box covered in wrapping paper, but considering what Isabel Feliz and her family had gone through in the past two months, what was surprising was that they had a Christmas tree at all.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"I used to have a phobia about pictures or anything on a wall hanging just a little bit crooked," she told Mr. Hentoff.

The New York Times - Arts

She then added, "We all know that a crooked operation is only rarely, if ever, just a little bit crooked".

The New York Times

Let me guess, it's about a bunch of cops who are a little bit crooked and don't do things by the book, but it's all for the good of the community.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Frankly, some of the decisions the United States, our senior partner in our strategic alliance, have made over the last 20 or 30 years have been a bit crook," he told ABC TV.

The Guardian

I casually asked him how he was and what he was doing here to which he replied "I heard you were a bit crook, just wanted to stop by and make sure you're okay, you know you're going to be okay Jam".

Huffington Post

I didn't know I had kidney problems cause I was pretty active, fishin' huntin' golfin'…until one day I felt a bit crook there…so they rushed me to hospital and when I woke up I was in the intensive care ward…and they said 'Oh you have to go down to dialysis and get blood into you, your kidneys have had it'.

BMJ Open

[Man, 50s] I didn't know I had kidney problems cause I was pretty active, fishin' huntin' golfin'…until one day I felt a bit crook there…so they rushed me to hospital and when I woke up I was in the intensive care ward…and they said 'Oh you have to go down to dialysis and get blood into you, your kidneys have had it'.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like plans or systems, use "a bit crooked" to suggest minor flaws or ethical compromises without implying complete corruption.

Common error

Avoid using "a bit crooked" in highly formal or professional writing where precision and neutrality are paramount. Opt for more direct and less colloquial alternatives to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a bit crooked" is as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It serves to describe the degree to which something deviates from being straight, aligned, or morally upright. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a bit crooked" functions as an adjective phrase used to describe something that is not perfectly straight, aligned, or morally upright. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. While suitable for general use, it may be less appropriate in highly formal writing, where more precise language is preferred. Alternatives such as "slightly askew" or "a little off-kilter" can offer similar meaning with different nuances. The phrase conveys a nuanced assessment, often softening a negative observation, making it a versatile addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly askew

Implies a minor deviation from a straight or level position.

a little off-kilter

Suggests something is unbalanced or not quite right.

somewhat distorted

Indicates a bending or twisting out of the normal shape or condition.

slightly bent

Emphasizes a curved or angled deviation.

a touch skewed

Highlights a subtle lack of alignment or accuracy.

a shade off

Implies a slight error or imperfection.

not entirely straight

Directly states the absence of perfect straightness.

a little amiss

Suggests something is out of place or not quite right.

somewhat awry

Indicates a departure from the correct or expected course.

a trifle twisted

Highlights a slight bending or distortion, often figuratively.

FAQs

What does "a bit crooked" mean?

The phrase "a bit crooked" means something is not perfectly straight, aligned, or morally upright. It suggests a slight deviation from what is considered correct or proper.

How can I use "a bit crooked" in a sentence?

You can use "a bit crooked" to describe physical objects, such as "The picture frame was "slightly askew"", or to describe abstract concepts, such as "The deal seemed "a little off-kilter"".

What are some alternatives to "a bit crooked"?

Some alternatives include "slightly askew", "a little off-kilter", or "somewhat distorted", depending on the specific context.

Is "a bit crooked" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "a bit crooked" might be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using more precise and neutral language to maintain a professional tone.