at an angle of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at an angle of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the orientation or position of an object in relation to a reference point, often in technical or mathematical contexts. Example: "The beam was positioned at an angle of 45 degrees to the horizontal."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The field tilts at an angle of almost 45 degrees.

The Economist

The moustache was halfway up my left cheek at an angle of 45 degrees.

The Guardian

Everyone said "Stop!" when the hand was pointed up at an angle of about seventy degrees.

The New Yorker

The spacecraft must hit at an angle of 12 degrees to survive.

The New York Times - Science

They diverge from each other at an angle of approximately 80°.

Nature

The wingtip on the Airbus A330 is slanted at an angle of about 60 degrees.

The New York Times

The barrel of the burner shall be at an angle of 25 degrees from the vertical.

Cornell University

This retraction forces the animal upward and forward at an angle of 50°.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Swept wings are angled, usually to the rear and often at an angle of about 35°.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It leans at an angle of 5.19 degrees, compared with the Pisa tower's 3.9 degrees.

The New York Times

The two hydrogen atoms are bound to the oxygen atom at an angle of 104.5°.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at an angle of" in technical writing, be precise with the degree measurement to avoid ambiguity. Consider including a visual aid, such as a diagram, to clarify the angle being described.

Common error

Avoid using imprecise language like "at a slight angle" without providing a specific degree measurement. Such descriptions lack clarity and can lead to misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at an angle of" functions primarily as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by specifying the orientation or inclination of something. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at an angle of" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed prepositional phrase used to describe spatial orientation with precision. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples confirms its correctness and versatility across diverse contexts, especially in science, news, encyclopedias and wiki. When using "at an angle of", clarity and accuracy are paramount; providing specific measurements and avoiding vague descriptions will ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a slant of

Replaces "angle" with "slant", emphasizing the oblique orientation.

at an inclination of

Substitutes "angle" with "inclination", suggesting a tilted position.

at a tilt of

Uses "tilt" instead of "angle", focusing on the leaning or tipping aspect.

with an angularity of

Employs a more formal term, "angularity", to describe the angle.

diverging at

Focuses on the separation or divergence between two lines or surfaces.

oriented at

Highlights the specific positioning or alignment.

sloping at

Describes the downward or upward incline from a horizontal line.

inclined towards

Shows the direction something tends toward, relative to a point.

relative to the horizontal

Clarifies that the angle is in relation to the horizontal plane.

making an angle of

Rephrases to emphasize the action of forming an angle.

FAQs

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

Use "at an angle of" to describe the orientation or inclination of an object or line relative to another reference point or plane. For instance, "The solar panel was positioned at an angle of 30 degrees to maximize sunlight absorption."

What are some alternatives to saying "at an angle of"?

You can use phrases like "at a slant of", "at an inclination of", or "at a tilt of" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "at an angle of" or "at a slope of"?

"At an angle of" generally refers to a specific angular measurement, while "at a slope of" often implies a more general incline. The best choice depends on the level of precision required.

What is the difference between "at an angle of" and "relative to"?

"At an angle of" specifies the degree of inclination. "Relative to" indicates a positional relationship but does not quantify the angle. You might say, "The light was positioned at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the surface."