at an angle

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression 'at an angle' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the way a physical object is oriented, as in the following example sentence: "The corner of the bookshelf leaned against the wall at an angle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"You approach at an angle," he said.

The New York Times

It hit him at an angle.

The New York Times

Snip the top of the cutting at an angle.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mandela, Finnegan wrote, "meets American political culture at an angle".

The New Yorker

These wings would stick straight up, not at an angle.

The New York Times - Tech

Other times, he took them at an angle.

The New York Times - Arts

"At an angle, so you get at its middle.

The New Yorker

Moreover, her name is printed at an angle.

The New York Times

Mona is seated at an angle, facing left.

The New York Times - Science

They lie at an angle to the skin surface.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The aircraft can also capture images shot at an angle.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing precise angles, consider using specific measurements (e.g., "at a 45-degree angle") for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "at an angle" when you specifically mean "at the corner". While related, a corner is a specific point where lines meet, whereas "at an angle" describes the relationship between those lines.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at an angle" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a state exists. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and common in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

36%

News & Media

30%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at an angle" is a grammatically correct and widely used adverbial phrase that describes orientation or direction, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions to provide descriptive detail, indicating a deviation from a straight or perpendicular alignment. While suitable for various contexts, using specific measurements is recommended for greater precision. Common alternatives include "tilted", "slanted", and "oblique", depending on the specific context. Being precise by avoiding misusing it as direct synonym for 'corner', will greatly improve your writing skills. With a neutral tone, the phrase finds frequent usage in WikiHow, News & Media and Science sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a slant

Emphasizes the sloped or inclined nature of something's position.

at an inclination

Highlights the degree of slope or bend from a horizontal or vertical plane.

diagonally

Specifies a direction that follows a line connecting two non-adjacent corners of a shape.

at a tilt

Suggests a leaning or tipping position, often implying instability.

askew

Implies a deviation from a straight line or level position, often suggesting a slight slant or crookedness.

on the skew

Similar to 'askew', but can also imply distortion or a lack of alignment.

obliquely

Describes something positioned or moving in a slanting direction; less common in everyday language.

canted

A more technical term that means tilted or inclined, often used in photography or engineering contexts.

aslant

An older term that means diagonally or across, carrying a more formal tone.

asymmetrically

Indicates a lack of symmetry in arrangement or shape, where parts are not balanced or identical.

FAQs

How do I use "at an angle" in a sentence?

You can use "at an angle" to describe the orientation of an object or direction of movement, for example: "The picture frame was hung "on a slant"", or "Approach the subject "diagonally"".

What's a simple way to describe something positioned "at an angle"?

Alternatives include saying something is "tilted", "slanted", or "oblique", depending on the context.

Is it more precise to say "at an angle" or specify the degree?

While "at an angle" is generally understood, using a specific degree measurement (e.g., "at a 45-degree angle") provides greater clarity and precision, especially in technical or scientific contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "at an inclination" instead of "at an angle"?

"At an inclination" often suggests a deliberate or designed slope, while "at an angle" is a more general term for any non-straight orientation. Inclination also relates with something more mechanical, like a car engine, or a ramp.