at odd angles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at odd angles" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is not aligned or positioned in a conventional or expected manner. Example: The furniture in the room was arranged at odd angles, giving the space a quirky and unconventional feel.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Stacked at odd angles to each other".

The Guardian - Books

Some jut out, mast-like, at odd angles.

The New York Times

And Fagen, behind the sunglasses, head jerking at odd angles?

The New York Times - Arts

They all park at odd angles to the street.

The New York Times - Magazine

Masekela's life would intersect all these genres at odd angles.

The New York Times - Books

A column or two and an archway still stood, leaning at odd angles.

The New Yorker

Small tombstones protruded at odd angles from a mound of dirt.

The New Yorker

There are low stretches of railings at odd angles and little flights of steps to nowhere.

The Guardian

Jokey and spooky did not so much alternate as adjoin at odd angles.

The New York Times - Books

Those wonderful feet, pronking about and and zapping away at odd angles.

The Guardian - Sport

The young woman held out her warped hands, the fingers curving at odd angles.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at odd angles" to vividly describe physical arrangements, postures, or perspectives that deviate from the norm, adding a layer of visual detail to your writing. This helps create a more engaging and memorable image for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "at odd angles" when you simply mean something is slightly askew. This phrase implies a more significant deviation and can sound unnatural if applied to minor misalignments. Consider using simpler language like "slightly tilted" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at odd angles" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or nouns to describe the manner in which something is positioned or oriented. As Ludwig shows, it adds detail to the description of physical arrangements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Arts

8%

Books

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at odd angles" is a versatile prepositional phrase functioning as an adverbial modifier, used to vividly describe objects or concepts misaligned or unconventionally positioned. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse sources such as news media, books, and arts publications. While suitable for formal writing, it maintains a neutral register making it appropriate for a wide range of audiences. Alternatives like "at peculiar angles" or "askew" can be used for slight semantic variation, but it's important to consider the nuance you want to convey. Avoid using the phrase when a simpler description of slight misalignment suffices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at peculiar angles

Replaces "odd" with "peculiar", emphasizing the strangeness or unusual nature of the angles.

at unusual angles

Substitutes "odd" with "unusual", highlighting the uncommon nature of the angles.

at strange angles

Uses "strange" instead of "odd", suggesting the angles are abnormal or unfamiliar.

at awkward angles

Emphasizes the ungraceful or clumsy appearance resulting from the angles.

at oblique angles

Replaces "odd" with "oblique", focusing on the slanting or inclined nature of the angles.

askew

A single word meaning out of line or position; not straight.

out of alignment

Focuses on the lack of proper alignment.

tilted

A single word, indicating a slope or lean.

skewed

Implies a distortion or deviation from a straight line or symmetrical form.

asymmetrical arrangement

Describes the overall arrangement rather than just the angles, indicating a lack of symmetry.

FAQs

How can I use "at odd angles" in a sentence?

You can use "at odd angles" to describe objects or parts that are not aligned in a typical or expected way. For example: "The picture frames were hung "at odd angles" on the wall."

What does "at odd angles" mean?

"At odd angles" means something is positioned or oriented in a way that is not straight, level, or symmetrical; it suggests an unusual or unexpected arrangement.

What are some synonyms for "at odd angles"?

Alternatives include "askew", "at unusual angles", or "out of alignment", depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "at odd angles" in formal writing?

Yes, "at odd angles" is suitable for formal writing. It is a descriptive phrase commonly found in reputable news and media, as well as other professional contexts, as shown by Ludwig.