at the wrong angle

USAGE SUMMARY

"at the wrong angle" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is not positioned or aligned correctly. Here are a few examples: - The painting on the wall was hung at the wrong angle, making it look crooked. - When trying to take a photo, make sure you hold the camera at the right angle. Otherwise, the picture will come out at the wrong angle. - The chair was placed at the wrong angle, causing the person sitting in it to feel uncomfortable. - The sun was shining at the wrong angle, making it difficult to see while driving.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"One degree at the wrong angle and it's all over your face".

The New York Times

At the wrong angle, they could dive below the surface, or skim helplessly across it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"My understanding is it's hit him at the worst possible place at the wrong angle and it is extremely unlucky".

The Guardian - Sport

Until, eventually, like a shuttle attempting re-entry at the wrong angle, Arthur starts glowing red and disintegrating.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"If you look at it at the wrong angle, you won't see the fibers," Mr. Peronard said.

The New York Times

Align the front fork at the wrong angle, for example, and the front wheel will swivel erratically like a broken wheel on a shopping cart.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

My daily commute to my home for the week took me west past Haymarket Station, where the tram track continues straight while the road bears gently round to the right, putting you at exactly the wrong angle to cross the tracks.

The Guardian

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Vice

All these massive facades were sitting at the wrong angles, and pieces of one building were stabbing into the side of another.

The New York Times

If the sides are ground at the wrong angles (sometimes through less-than-perfect workmanship, sometimes to increase weight with extra width or depth) quite a bit of light will not shine back out the right way--much more than would be lost to a very faint yellowish or brown tint or a speck visible under a loupe.

WikiHow

Yet this is to look at China from the wrong angle: it is to assume that exports are the most important issue for the country, and thus its policy makers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical issues or precise positioning, ensure that the specific angle or degree of misalignment is clarified for better understanding. Use this phrase to indicate deviation from an expected or correct alignment.

Common error

Avoid using "at the wrong angle" metaphorically when a more direct description of a problem or perspective would be clearer. Reserve it for situations where physical angles or positioning are actually relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the wrong angle" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by describing how something is positioned or oriented. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse domains, illustrating its widespread applicability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the wrong angle" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something misaligned or improperly positioned. Ludwig highlights its prevalence across diverse sources, from news and media to science and academia. While versatile, it's best suited for contexts where physical angles or positioning are central to the description. Related phrases include "incorrectly aligned" and "improperly positioned". Remember to provide specific details when possible and avoid overuse in purely metaphorical scenarios. Overall, it's a useful phrase when describing spatial relationships and deviations from expected alignments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at an odd angle

Replaces "wrong" with "odd", softening the negative connotation.

slanted incorrectly

Emphasizes the incorrect slant or slope.

incorrectly aligned

Focuses on the misalignment aspect, removing the angular reference.

out of alignment

Highlights the lack of correct alignment, a common way to phrase the concept.

improperly positioned

Emphasizes the incorrect placement rather than the angle.

in the wrong position

Shifts the focus from angle to general position.

askew

A single word describing something turned or twisted to one side.

misoriented

Highlights that the orientation is incorrect.

awry

Similar to "askew", indicating something has gone wrong or is out of place.

off-kilter

Suggests a lack of balance or being slightly off from the intended position.

FAQs

How can I use "at the wrong angle" in a sentence?

You can use "at the wrong angle" to describe a physical object or position that is not aligned correctly. For example: "The picture frame was hanging "at the wrong angle", so I straightened it."

What are some alternatives to saying "at the wrong angle"?

Alternatives include "incorrectly aligned", "improperly positioned", or "out of alignment" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify the exact angle when something is "at the wrong angle"?

No, it's not always necessary. However, providing more specific details about the misalignment can enhance clarity, especially in technical or instructional contexts.

Can "at the wrong angle" be used figuratively?

While primarily used to describe physical misalignments, "at the wrong angle" can be used figuratively to suggest an inappropriate or ineffective approach, though this usage should be considered carefully for clarity.