at an awkward angle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at an awkward angle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the position or orientation of an object that is not aligned properly or is uncomfortable to look at. Example: "The picture hung at an awkward angle, making it difficult to appreciate the artwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

It came at an awkward angle and Hughes looked skyward.

The New York Times

Now it is held at an awkward angle, like a mamoty ploughing a paddyfield.

The Guardian

Its rooftop juts from the high phragmites at an awkward angle.

The New York Times

When healed, the finger was still bent at an awkward angle backwards.

Independent

The map of the world sits at an awkward angle, blue ocean disappearing behind the iron bookshelf.

The Guardian - Books

In the meantime, he bears the pain – his right arm fused at an awkward angle – without assistance.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Look at you opponent from an awkward angle.

WikiHow

So it's pretty easy to get how looking at this picture -- which puts my body at a slightly awkward angle and shows off my full shape without any place to hide -- could make me see everything that society wants me to think is wrong about myself.

Huffington Post

"It is completely bent on its side at a very awkward angle.

Unicef

If the cue ball is placed too near the cushion, your pool cue will be at a steep, awkward angle, making it difficult to hit with speed and control.

WikiHow

But we laugh a lot, and I post a picture on Facebook with one leg up on the pole at an awkward right angle.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical orientations, consider whether "at an awkward angle" accurately conveys the specific type of misalignment. Alternatives like "at an unusual slant" or "out of alignment" might be more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "at an awkward angle" to describe abstract or non-physical situations. It is most effective when describing the literal orientation of objects or body parts. For example, describing a conversation as being "at an awkward angle" is not a standard use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at an awkward angle" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which something is positioned or oriented. Ludwig examples illustrate this, showing how objects or body parts are situated in a way that is not straight or comfortable. Ludwig AI validates that it is used in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at an awkward angle" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the position or orientation of something misaligned or uncomfortable. It frequently appears in News & Media contexts and is considered neutral in register. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is used correctly and is applicable in most scenarios. While there are several alternative phrases, each carries subtle differences in meaning. When employing this phrase, ensure it is used in relation to physical objects, and not abstract concepts, for maximum clarity. Ludwig's examples provide extensive evidence of this phrase's application in diverse scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at an unusual slant

Replaces "awkward" with "unusual" and "angle" with "slant", emphasizing the deviation from a normal position.

in an ungainly position

Substitutes "awkward angle" with a description of the overall position, highlighting its lack of grace.

out of alignment

Focuses on the lack of proper alignment, a key component of something being at an awkward angle.

askew

A single word replacement for the entire phrase, indicating a deviation from a straight or level position.

at a crooked inclination

Uses more descriptive language to convey the same idea, replacing "awkward" with "crooked" and "angle" with "inclination".

in a clumsy orientation

Emphasizes the lack of skill or grace in the positioning, conveying a similar sense of unease.

at an oblique tilt

Replaces "awkward" with "oblique" and "angle" with "tilt", indicating a slanting position that is neither perpendicular nor parallel.

in a contorted manner

Focuses on the twisted or distorted nature of the position, highlighting its unnatural appearance.

at a strange cant

Uses "strange" instead of "awkward" and "cant" to describe the tilting position, emphasizing its oddity.

in an unbalanced state

Highlights the lack of equilibrium, implying that the awkward angle contributes to instability.

FAQs

How can I use "at an awkward angle" in a sentence?

You can use "at an awkward angle" to describe the position or orientation of something that is not straight, level, or comfortable. For example: "The picture was hanging "at an awkward angle" on the wall."

What's a synonym for "at an awkward angle"?

Alternatives to "at an awkward angle" include "at an unusual slant", "in an ungainly position", or simply "askew".

Is it correct to say something is 'at an awkward angle'?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe something that is positioned in a way that is not straight or comfortable. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad usage.

Can I use "at an awkward angle" to describe a person's behavior?

While technically possible, it is more common to use "at an awkward angle" to describe the physical position of objects or body parts. For describing behavior, phrases like "in an awkward way" or "acting clumsily" are often more appropriate.