at right angles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at right angles" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in geometry or when describing the orientation of two lines or surfaces that meet to form a 90-degree angle. Example: "The two walls of the room meet at right angles, creating a perfect corner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His hair springs out at right angles.

The Guardian

At right angles or stage left?

The Guardian - Music

The steep stairs descend at right angles.

The Guardian - Books

The pole was bent almost at right angles.

The New York Times

"Nature does not carve things at right angles," he said.

The New York Times

I thought they were at right angles to each other.

The Economist

Other threads, called the weft, pass under and over at right angles to the warp threads.

The New York Times

Bearing walls are almost always found at right angles to the joists.

The New York Times

A speech blatantly at right angles to everything he has ever said or done.

The Guardian

ii) Place your legs out in front of you with your knees bent at right angles.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My collarbone juts out at right angles, my face is hollow.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing spatial relationships in technical documents, use "at right angles" for clarity, especially when dealing with geometric arrangements or mechanical structures. Be mindful of the audience; if they are familiar with technical jargon, 'perpendicular' or 'orthogonal' may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "at right angles" loosely to describe any intersection. The phrase specifically refers to a precise 90-degree angle. If the angle is approximate, use terms like 'nearly perpendicular' or 'close to a right angle'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at right angles" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying verbs by specifying the direction or orientation of an action or state. Ludwig examples show it describing how objects are positioned or how actions are performed in relation to each other.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at right angles" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to describe spatial relationships where two lines or surfaces meet at a 90-degree angle. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic content. While alternatives like "perpendicularly" or "orthogonal to" exist, "at right angles" offers a clear and widely understood way to express perpendicularity. When writing, use the phrase in technical descriptions or instructions, but avoid it in approximate contexts. Remember its specific meaning to ensure clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a right angle to

This variation includes 'a', making it slightly more verbose but maintaining the same meaning.

perpendicularly

This single-word adverb directly conveys the concept of being at a right angle.

forming a right angle

This phrase highlights the creation of a right angle, shifting the focus to the action.

at square angles

Emphasizes the square shape formed by right angles, adding a visual element.

at 90 degrees

This alternative uses a numerical value to specify the exact angle, emphasizing the quantitative aspect.

crossing perpendicularly

Focuses on the intersection and the perpendicular nature of the crossing.

orthogonal to

A more formal and technical term often used in mathematics and physics to indicate perpendicularity.

normal to

Similar to orthogonal, primarily used in mathematical and scientific contexts to describe a line or vector that is perpendicular to a surface or another line.

in quadrature

Technical term mainly used in electrical engineering, physics, and mathematics, referring to a 90-degree phase difference.

vertically

Specifies orientation, often implying a right angle to a horizontal plane depending on context.

FAQs

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

You can use "at right angles" to describe the relationship between two lines, surfaces, or objects that meet at a 90-degree angle. For instance, "The streets in Manhattan are laid out "at right angles" to each other".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "at right angles"?

Alternatives include "perpendicularly", "at 90 degrees", or "orthogonal to", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it more appropriate to say "at right angles" or "perpendicular"?

"At right angles" is a phrase, while "perpendicular" is an adjective or adverb. Both are correct, but "perpendicular" is often preferred in mathematical or technical contexts for its conciseness. For example, you might say "the lines are perpendicular" or "the lines meet "at right angles"".

In what contexts is it best to use "at right angles"?

The phrase "at right angles" is suitable for describing spatial relationships in geometry, construction, engineering, and general descriptive writing. It provides a clear and understandable way to convey the concept of perpendicularity in a variety of situations.