are at odds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are at odds" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is generally used to talk about two people or parties being in disagreement with each other. Example: The two groups were at odds over the same issue.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But they are at odds.

The Economist

Donors are at odds too.

The Economist

Their missions are at odds.

The New York Times

Moreover, they are at odds with themselves.

The Economist

Often, these two trusts are at odds.

The New Yorker

Matt and Ruth are at odds over their son's relationship.

The New York Times

When making pastry, flakiness and tenderness are at odds.

The Guardian

Saudi Arabia and Iran are at odds over Opec's strategy.

The Guardian - Business

But often the officers' verdicts are at odds.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

That's at odds with reality.

The New York Times

And so the justices were at odds.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are at odds" to clearly indicate a state of disagreement or conflict between two or more entities. Ensure the context makes it clear who or what is in opposition.

Common error

Ensure the verb "are" agrees with a plural subject. A common mistake is using "is at odds" when referring to multiple entities. Example: "The policies are at odds", not "The policies is at odds".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are at odds" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the state of disagreement or conflict between two or more entities. It modifies the subject of the sentence, indicating their relationship as being in opposition. According to Ludwig, this is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are at odds" is a grammatically sound and prevalent expression used to describe a state of disagreement or conflict between entities. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase is widely accepted and frequently used in various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Science. It's crucial to ensure correct subject-verb agreement when using this phrase, pairing "are" with plural subjects. For more formal settings, alternatives like "are in conflict" or "are in disagreement" may be suitable. While versatile, "are at odds" maintains a neutral tone, making it appropriate for diverse writing styles. With its high frequency and clear meaning, mastering the use of "are at odds" can enhance your writing precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are in conflict

Emphasizes a direct clash or struggle.

are in disagreement

Highlights a difference in opinion or perspective.

are in opposition

Focuses on a stance against something.

are at loggerheads

Suggests a prolonged and often stubborn disagreement.

are clashing

Implies a more active and forceful disagreement.

are contending

Highlights competition and rivalry.

are at variance

Indicates a discrepancy or inconsistency.

are on opposite sides

Emphasizes opposing viewpoints or allegiances.

are divided

Highlights separation and lack of consensus.

are in dispute

Focuses on an unresolved disagreement or argument.

FAQs

How can I use "are at odds" in a sentence?

The phrase "are at odds" indicates disagreement or conflict. For instance, "The two companies "are at odds" over patent rights" shows they disagree about patents.

What's a formal alternative to "are at odds"?

In formal writing, you could use phrases like "are in conflict" or "are in disagreement" to convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

Is it correct to say "is at odds"?

Yes, but only when referring to a singular subject. For example, "His statement is at odds with the evidence". When referring to multiple subjects, use ""are at odds"".

What's the difference between "are at odds" and "are in conflict"?

"Are at odds" generally implies a difference in opinion or direction, while "are in conflict" suggests a more active and potentially hostile disagreement. The nuance depends on the context.