at an odd angle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at an odd 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 in a typical or expected way. Example: "The picture frame hung at an odd angle, making it difficult to appreciate the artwork inside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

The eyeball was permanently fixed at an odd angle.

The New York Times

In the video, Ms. Schiavo has her head tilted back at an odd angle.

The New York Times

She said she had awakened from a nap to find her head tilted to the left at an odd angle.

The Washington Post

Nikolai Novotelnov, 90, still lives in one of them, perched at an odd angle on the north bank of Rybinsk.

The Guardian

Not possible, unless he's wedged himself behind the desk that is sitting at an odd angle in the corner.

The New Yorker

Kumaritashvili hit the track's wall at an odd angle, causing the sled to compress instead of breaking.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

"It bounced up at such an odd angle," he said.

The Guardian

Whatever he approached politically, he came at from an odd angle".

The Guardian - Books

He's very experimental and comes at everything from an odd angle, which may explain why he has yet to achieve real mainstream success.

The Guardian

If you look at the screen from an odd angle or from off to the side, it doesn't work properly.

The New York Times - Arts

Seen very close at hand, or at a great distance, or from an odd angle, it seems disquietingly strange, wonderful beyond all comprehension".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at an odd angle" to vividly describe the unexpected or unnatural positioning of objects or body parts. This can add detail and interest to your writing, helping the reader visualize the scene more clearly.

Common error

Avoid using "at an odd angle" when you simply mean something is tilted slightly. The phrase implies a more significant or noticeable deviation from the norm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at an odd angle" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by describing the manner in which an action is performed or a state exists. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage in diverse contexts, from describing physical positions to architectural designs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at an odd angle" is a versatile phrase used to describe something positioned in an unusual or unexpected way. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts. It functions as an adverbial phrase to add descriptive detail. Primarily found in News & Media sources, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse writing styles. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately conveys the intended sense of misalignment, avoiding overuse in situations where a simple tilt is described. Consider alternative phrases, such as "at a strange slant" or "in an awkward position", to best fit the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a strange slant

Replaces "odd" with "strange" and "angle" with "slant", emphasizing the unusual inclination.

at a skewed orientation

Replaces "odd" with "skewed", emphasizing the distorted or distorted nature of the orientation.

in an awkward position

Shifts the focus from the angle to the overall position, highlighting the discomfort or difficulty it presents.

at an atypical inclination

Emphasizes the non-standard or unusual aspect of the inclination.

at an oblique inclination

Uses more formal terms like "oblique" and "inclination" to denote the deviation from a right angle.

asymmetrically positioned

Emphasizes the lack of symmetry in the positioning, highlighting the imbalance.

in a distorted arrangement

Focuses on the overall arrangement, emphasizing its distorted or unnatural quality.

out of alignment

Focuses on the lack of proper alignment, suggesting a deviation from a standard arrangement.

off-kilter

A more informal way of saying something is unbalanced or not quite right.

at a wonky tilt

Uses the informal term "wonky" to describe the uneven or unsteady tilt.

FAQs

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

You can use "at an odd angle" to describe the position of an object or a part of the body that is not in a typical or expected alignment. For instance, "The picture was hanging "at an odd angle" on the wall", or "His head was tilted "at an odd angle" as he slept".

What's the difference between "at an odd angle" and "at an unusual angle"?

While both phrases are similar, "at an odd angle" suggests something is peculiar or strange, while "at an unusual angle" simply means it's not common. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the strangeness or just the infrequency of the angle.

Are there any situations where "at an odd angle" might not be appropriate?

If you're describing something in a technical or scientific context where precision is crucial, using a more specific term to describe the angle might be more appropriate. "At an odd angle" is generally suitable for descriptive writing where a general sense of misalignment is sufficient.

What are some alternative ways to describe something being "at an odd angle"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "askew", "crooked", "tilted", "slanted", or "out of alignment".