at an uncomfortable angle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at an uncomfortable angle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a position or orientation that is not physically comfortable, often in relation to objects, body parts, or perspectives. Example: "She was sitting at an uncomfortable angle, which made it difficult for her to concentrate on her work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In a disused office block north of Oxford Street, I remember pausing to wonder why the door was jammed at an uncomfortable angle, and then toured a room that was empty of everything except the dust that infects old workspaces.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Anastasi, despite an uncomfortable angle to the near post, fired efficiently and Haiti's cause was irretrievably lost.

The Guardian - Sport

The son of an Irish father and a German mother, the young Hugo finds himself positioned in life at an exquisitely uncomfortable angle, whereby almost every aspect of his existence, from his language to the clothes his parents dress him in (lederhosen and Aran sweaters), becomes a source of ridicule or agony.

The New York Times - Books

Though they're kicking back, their poses are rigid, and they lean at uncomfortable angles.

Huffington Post

Don't force your knees and ankles to bend at uncomfortable angles because it will lead to injury.

WikiHow

Boards or other materials set at a 45 degree incline along ledges and other roost areas will deter starlings due to the uncomfortable angle.

WikiHow

There were shots of Minaj thrusting her huge G-stringed behind at the camera from every imaginable angle, an uncomfortable lap dance involving Drake and a kitchen scene featuring whipped cream and bananas.

Independent

An otherwise lifelike fish bends at an impossible angle.

The New York Times

He falls at an acute angle into a police car.

Vice

Sometimes it's at an awkward angle!

WikiHow

Her face was pressed into the bed, at a crooked angle that would have been uncomfortable for any living person.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical discomfort related to posture or positioning, use "at an uncomfortable angle" to clearly convey the specific cause of the unease.

Common error

Avoid using "at an uncomfortable angle" to describe abstract concepts or situations where a physical angle is not literally involved. Instead, opt for phrases like "in a difficult position" or "from a challenging perspective".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at an uncomfortable angle" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which something is positioned or oriented, causing discomfort. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at an uncomfortable angle" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe a position causing physical discomfort. Ludwig AI validates its use. While relatively rare, it appears primarily in News & Media and Wiki contexts. Consider alternatives like "in an awkward position" or "at a strained angle" to achieve similar meaning. Be mindful to use the phrase in contexts where a physical angle is relevant to the discomfort being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in an awkward position

Focuses on the position being awkward rather than specifically the angle.

at a strained angle

Emphasizes the strain or tension associated with the angle.

in an unnatural position

Highlights the lack of naturalness in the positioning, broadening the context beyond just angles.

at an odd inclination

Replaces "uncomfortable" with "odd" and "angle" with "inclination", altering the emphasis slightly.

at a precarious slant

Suggests a risk of instability due to the angle.

in a contorted pose

Shifts focus to a human or animal pose, indicating twisting and discomfort.

at an askew angle

Uses a different adjective, "askew", to describe the angle, meaning out of line.

at a skewed position

Replaces "angle" with "position" adding the idea of distortion.

at a displaced orientation

Emphasizes that the point isn't in its correct location.

in a misaligned state

Highlights the misalignment, moving away from the specific concept of an angle.

FAQs

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

You can use "at an uncomfortable angle" to describe a physical position or orientation that causes discomfort. For example, "The door was jammed "at an uncomfortable angle", making it difficult to open."

What can I say instead of "at an uncomfortable angle"?

You can use alternatives like "in an awkward position", "at a strained angle", or "in an unnatural position" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "at an uncomfortable angle" when referring to abstract concepts?

It's generally better to reserve "at an uncomfortable angle" for physical situations. For abstract concepts, consider using phrases like "from a challenging perspective" or "in a difficult position".

What's the difference between "at an uncomfortable angle" and "at an awkward angle"?

"At an uncomfortable angle" emphasizes the physical discomfort caused by the angle, while "at an awkward angle" simply implies that the angle is not normal or graceful.