at odds

USAGE SUMMARY

"at odds" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone or something is different in opinion or viewpoint; when something is not in agreement with something else. Example sentence: The siblings have been at odds since they argued over who would inherit the family business.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But they are at odds.

The Economist

That's at odds with reality.

The New York Times

Aesthetically, they're almost at odds.

The New York Times - Arts

Donors are at odds too.

The Economist

They were somewhat at odds.

The Economist

Right away, they're at odds.

The New Yorker

Their missions are at odds.

The New York Times

The two goals are potentially at odds.

The New York Times

And so the justices were at odds.

The New Yorker

Just as often they were at odds.

The New York Times - Arts

And creativity is at odds with fealty.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at odds" to clearly express disagreement or conflict between ideas, people, or entities. This phrase is particularly effective when highlighting opposing viewpoints or conflicting objectives.

Common error

Avoid using "at odds" when a situation demands a stronger term like "hostile" or "antagonistic". "At odds" suggests disagreement, not necessarily animosity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at odds" functions as an adjectival phrase, typically used to describe a state of disagreement or conflict between two or more parties or ideas. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that they are in a state of opposition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at odds" is a versatile and frequently used expression to denote disagreement or conflict. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts. As shown by Ludwig's examples, it appears most often in news and media, signifying its relevance in describing opposing viewpoints or conflicting situations. While generally neutral in register, choosing stronger language may be needed in situations that require more animosity. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use "at odds" to convey nuanced expressions of disagreement in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in disagreement

This alternative focuses on the state of not agreeing, emphasizing a lack of consensus.

in conflict

This phrase suggests a more active opposition or struggle between entities.

in opposition

This phrase highlights a direct resistance or antagonism to something.

not in harmony

This emphasizes a lack of balance or agreement, often used in less confrontational situations.

in contention

This highlights a dispute or debate, implying a more formal disagreement.

at variance

This suggests a discrepancy or inconsistency between two or more things.

on opposing sides

This phrase describes the physical or metaphorical separation of those in conflict.

locked in a dispute

Emphasizes an ongoing argument or disagreement, often suggesting a prolonged conflict.

incompatible

This indicates that two or more things are unable to coexist or function together effectively.

discordant

This suggests a lack of agreement or harmony, often used in more abstract or figurative contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "at odds" in a sentence?

Use "at odds" to indicate disagreement or conflict. For example, "The siblings have been at odds since they argued over who would inherit the family business."

What can I say instead of "at odds"?

You can use alternatives like "in disagreement", "in conflict", or "in opposition" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "at odds" or "in odds"?

"At odds" is the correct and idiomatic expression. "In odds" is not a standard English phrase and should be avoided.

What's the difference between "at odds" and "in disagreement"?

"At odds" implies a stronger sense of conflict or opposition than "in disagreement". While both indicate a lack of consensus, "at odds" suggests a more active or pronounced divergence.