at a slant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a slant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is positioned or inclined at an angle rather than being straight or level. Example: "The picture hung at a slant on the wall, making it look slightly askew."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"It always comes out at a slant".

The New York Times

Bar lines veer off at a slant.

The New York Times - Arts

There is love in there but at a slant.

The Guardian - Books

A large sculpture, black and phallic, stood at a slant in the middle of the room.

The New Yorker

Up the wires and at a slant we have planted a hedge of apples and pears.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She often holds the camera slightly at a slant, a technique that gives the picture a sense of rapid motion.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Arrange one of the pipes on the table at a slanting angle to the wall.

WikiHow

Nor is the curve any longer at much of a slant, but falls pretty much along the x axis.

WikiHow

The Phoenician letter for "h," pronounced heth, resembled at first a slanting, three-runged ladder.

The New Yorker

They go at it diagonally, on a slant, and it feels and sounds as if you are on a small sailboat in a big storm.

The New York Times - Magazine

Hence, the conduit, which connects the magma chamber and the vent, would, at least partly, have a slant, or horizontal, geometry.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a slant" to describe the physical orientation of objects, lines, or surfaces that deviate from a horizontal or vertical plane. For example, "The roof was built at a slant to allow rainwater to run off easily."

Common error

Avoid using "at a slant" when you actually mean something is skewed or crooked due to damage or error. "At a slant" generally implies a deliberate design or positioning, whereas "askew" or "crooked" suggests something unintended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a slant" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying verbs or nouns to describe the manner or position in which something is oriented. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it indicates that something is positioned or inclined at an angle rather than being straight or level. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its use in describing physical objects, artistic representations, and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a slant" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that functions adverbially to describe the orientation or positioning of something at an angle. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from formal to informal, although its usage is particularly prevalent in news media and descriptive writing. When using "at a slant", consider the subtle differences in connotation compared to alternatives like "askew" or "tilted", ensuring that it accurately conveys the intended meaning of a deliberate, rather than accidental, angle.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at an angle

Replaces "slant" with a more general term for inclination, making the phrase more versatile.

aslant

A single-word adverb meaning "at a slant", offering a more concise alternative.

at a tilt

Similar to "at a slant", but implies a more subtle deviation from the horizontal or vertical.

on a slope

Specifies a continuous incline rather than just an angled position.

sloping

Highlights the gradual change in elevation or angle.

obliquely

A more formal adverb indicating a slanting direction or position.

leaning

Emphasizes the action of deviating from a vertical position.

canted

Describes something set at an angle, especially from a horizontal or vertical plane.

inclined

Focuses on the state of being angled or leaning.

askew

Implies a deviation from a straight or level position, often suggesting something is not quite right.

FAQs

How can I use "at a slant" in a sentence?

You can use "at a slant" to describe the position or direction of something that is not perfectly horizontal or vertical. For instance, "The artist painted the horizon line "at a slant" to create a sense of unease."

What is a simple way to describe something positioned "at a slant"?

A simple way to describe something positioned "at a slant" is to say it is "tilted" or "angled". For example, instead of saying "The picture frame was hanging at a slant", you could say, "The picture frame was tilted."

Is there a single-word alternative for "at a slant"?

Yes, a single-word alternative for "at a slant" is "aslant". It functions as an adverb to describe something positioned or moving at a slant.

What's the difference between something being "at a slant" and being "askew"?

While both terms indicate something is not straight, "at a slant" often suggests a deliberate angle, while "askew" implies something is crooked or out of its proper position, often unintentionally.