angle off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "angle off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to describe a deviation or change in direction, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "As we discussed the project, I felt the conversation began to angle off into unrelated topics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Even at a 45 degree angle off to the side, the screen still displays great quality and color.

TechCrunch

But the table's not in his favour, and after struggling to force an angle off the blue, he's forced into safety.

The Guardian - Sport

The reds are tightly packed as O'Sullivan reaches 25, with an angle off the black … 2.06pm BST "The Crucible awaits and, so to, does MC Rob Walker".

The Guardian - Sport

When a finger rests on a transparent or gel-like platen, a light emitting diode sends light at an angle off its surface.

The New York Times - Tech

El Sabroso is what foodie blog content is all about - really good food with a cultural angle, off the beaten track, and with a quirky situational twist.

The Guardian - Travel

Messier cut the lead to 3-1 on a power play at 2 46 of the third period, scoring from a difficult angle off the right post on a rebound.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

But at the back door the smoke angles off at 90 degrees, indicating a major draught.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The gables were snipped and trimmed and the edges angled off with barber-like precision.

The New York Times

Angled off to either side were ears with more remote networks of traders, managers, and lawyers.

The New Yorker

Then they angled off into a shower of flying fish and were gone toward the purple light of the Gulf Stream.

The New Yorker

The cave was a honeycomb, they realized, with tunnels angling off in every direction and hardly any current to guide them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "angle off" to describe a physical direction, ensure the context clarifies the point of origin or reference. For example, "The path angled off from the main road towards the forest."

Common error

Avoid using "angle off" when a simpler verb like "turn" or "deviate" would be clearer. The phrase is most effective when emphasizing the specific degree or direction of the change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "angle off" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. It describes a change in direction or perspective, often implying a deviation from a main path or topic. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "angle off" is a commonly used phrasal verb that effectively conveys a change in direction or focus, as Ludwig AI confirms. Predominantly found in news and media, science, and wiki contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse writing styles. When using the phrase, ensure clarity in specifying the origin and degree of the deviation. Alternatives such as ""deviate from"" or "veer off" can offer nuanced substitutions, enhancing precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deviate from

Focuses on diverging from a set path or topic.

veer away

Implies a sudden change in direction.

swerve aside

Suggests a sharp turn to avoid something.

deflect from

Highlights the act of turning something away from its original course.

diverge from

Emphasizes a separation or branching out.

turn aside

A general phrase indicating a change in direction.

break away

Implies a forceful separation or departure.

bear off

Nautical term meaning to change course.

incline away

Suggests a gradual change in direction or opinion.

shift direction

Focuses on a fundamental change in course or strategy.

FAQs

How can I use "angle off" in a sentence?

You can use "angle off" to describe a physical change in direction, such as "The road angled off to the left". It can also be used metaphorically to describe a shift in topic or focus, as in "The conversation began to "deviate from" the main point."

What's a good substitute for "angle off"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "veer off", "diverge from", or "turn aside". The best choice depends on whether you're describing a physical direction or a metaphorical shift.

Is it correct to say "angled off" or should it be "angling off"?

Both "angled off" and "angling off" can be correct depending on the context. "Angled off" is used in past tense to describe something that has already changed direction. "Angling off" is used in continuous tenses to describe something that is in the process of changing direction.

How formal is the phrase "angle off"?

The phrase "angle off" is generally considered to be neutral in formality. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is perhaps more common in descriptive or narrative writing than in highly formal documents.