askew

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "askew" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is out of line or not aligned correctly. For example: "The picture frames on the wall were all hung askew".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

These are the extreme – but by no means rare – examples, the ones the tabloids love to photograph for a slow weekend's front page, ideally showing a miniskirted young woman slumped across the pavement, legs askew.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the dramatic increase suggests something has gone seriously askew.

The Guardian

Hems were askew.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Each of these images is a single, simultaneous take: viewers get an entire movie, seen from four points of view and shot exactly once, perfectly and in real time.Mr Figgis looks and sounds much like a younger and English version of that great American maverick director, Robert Altman: hair askew, angry, charming, brilliant and discursive, and just possibly stoned.

The Economist

But there is something really askew here.

The New York Times

Macedonia's economy has already been knocked askew by the Kosovo war.

The Economist

Scruffy he might be, with tie askew and too-short trousers, but he was not a tramp.

The Economist

Humans in angel guise, with haloes askew and briefcases still tightly clutched among the clouds, remain a favourite of cartoonists.

The Economist

Their clever geometry helps it face Mecca inconveniently askew from the city's north-south grid layout.Modern architecture goes alongside other innovations, including those such as boxing rings that help lure young people away from drugs and mischief.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

But those who dissented even in a whisper, even by hanging his portrait askew ended in prison camps, subject to forced labour and starvation.

The Economist

Levy left his post as gallery director in 1942 to serve in the military, entrusting his duties to Kirk Askew, a former Harvard classmate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects, use "askew" to vividly convey a sense of imbalance or misalignment, enhancing the reader's understanding of the scene.

Common error

Avoid using "askew" to describe abstract concepts like ideas or plans unless you intend to emphasize a sense of distortion or unexpected deviation. Using it literally for physical misalignments ensures clarity.

Linguistic Context

The word "askew" functions primarily as an adjective or adverb, modifying nouns to describe a state of misalignment or deviation from a straight line. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "askew" is a versatile adjective and adverb used to describe something that is not straight or properly aligned. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in writing. With numerous examples from authoritative sources like The Economist, The Guardian, and Encyclopedia Britannica, "askew" is a common word, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "out of alignment" or "tilted", but avoid misusing "askew" in overly abstract contexts to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of alignment

Focuses on the state of not being in the correct line or position.

off-kilter

Emphasizes a lack of balance or equilibrium, similar to something being "askew".

crooked

Highlights the bent or curved nature of something that should be straight.

tilted

Describes something leaning to one side, implying it's not level.

awry

Indicates a deviation from the correct or expected course.

skewed

Implies a distorted or biased perspective or alignment.

lopsided

Highlights an imbalance in size or shape, causing something to be uneven.

uneven

Describes a surface or arrangement that is not level or uniform.

asymmetrical

Focuses on the lack of symmetry in an object or arrangement.

out of whack

Suggests that something is not functioning correctly or is not in the proper order.

FAQs

How can I use "askew" in a sentence?

"Askew" can be used to describe something that is not straight or aligned. For example, "The picture frame was hanging "askew" on the wall."

What are some alternatives to using "askew"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "tilted", "crooked", or "awry" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "slightly askew"?

Yes, it is perfectly correct to use "slightly askew" to indicate a minor degree of misalignment. For example, "His glasses were "slightly askew" on his nose."

What is the difference between "askew" and "awry"?

While both words suggest something is not as it should be, "askew" typically refers to a physical misalignment, whereas "awry" can also refer to plans or events that have gone wrong. For example, "The plan went "awry" when it started raining."