a right angle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a right angle' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a shape that has 90 degrees of angle between two straight lines. For example, "The corner of the room had a right angle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There's hardly a right angle in sight.

The New York Times

(c) The affair angle is not a right angle.

The New Yorker

Make sure your knee keeps in a right angle position.

Independent

Once the board breaks, fold it back to form a right angle.

The New York Times

His femur, or thighbone, jutted out from his hip at a right angle.

The New York Times

Nothing is measured with a ruler and cut at a right angle".

The New York Times

Dr. Dudzinski said that when dolphins approach at a right angle it's an aggressive behavior.

The New York Times

Squat with your legs at a right angle with your back flat against wall.

The Guardian

Picture two people lying on the floor, their heads touching, their bodies forming a right angle.

The New Yorker

Coming off the vena cava at a right angle was the renal vein.

The New Yorker

And she likes to see a desk at a right angle to a wall.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects or spatial arrangements, use "a right angle" to clearly indicate a 90-degree angle between surfaces or lines. For example, "Ensure the shelf is mounted at a right angle to the wall."

Common error

Avoid using "a right angle" when you mean an acute (less than 90 degrees) or obtuse (greater than 90 degrees) angle. Always verify the angle's measurement to ensure accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a right angle" primarily functions as a noun phrase specifying a geometric property. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

31%

News & Media

29%

Science

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a right angle" is a frequently used noun phrase that describes a 90-degree angle. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. Its primary function is to specify a geometric property, serving to describe or indicate this specific angle. Its register varies from neutral to formal, depending on context, and it appears most often in Wiki, News & Media, and Science sources. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately represents the angle being described and consider alternatives like "90-degree angle" or "perpendicular angle" for variety. Remember, precision is key when discussing angles in technical or mathematical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exact right angle

Emphasizes the precision and accuracy of the right angle.

90-degree angle

Uses the numerical value to describe the angle, making it more specific and mathematical.

angle of 90 degrees

A more verbose way of stating the measurement of the angle.

perpendicular angle

Emphasizes the perpendicularity of the lines forming the angle.

a perfectly square angle

Adds emphasis on the angle being ideally square.

orthogonal angle

A more formal and technical term for a right angle, often used in mathematical contexts.

square angle

Relates the angle to the shape of a square, highlighting its properties.

an angle of perpendicularity

Focuses on the relationship between the lines creating the angle.

normal angle

Indicates that the angle is normal or standard in a given context.

a square corner

Implies a right angle in the context of corners or edges.

FAQs

How is "a right angle" used in geometry?

In geometry, "a right angle" is fundamental for defining perpendicular lines, squares, rectangles, and right triangles. It's an angle that measures exactly 90 degrees.

What's another way to say "a right angle"?

You can also say "90-degree angle" or "perpendicular angle". For instance, you could say "the lines intersect at "90-degree angle"" instead of "the lines intersect at a right angle".

Is it always necessary to specify "a right angle"?

While not always necessary, using "a right angle" clarifies the relationship between two lines or surfaces. It's especially useful when precision is important.

What is the significance of "a right angle" in construction?

In construction, "a right angle" ensures structural integrity and stability. It's crucial for building walls, foundations, and other structures that need to be perfectly aligned.