at unnatural angles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at unnatural angles" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is positioned or oriented in a way that is not typical or expected. Example: "The branches of the tree grew at unnatural angles, creating a twisted and eerie appearance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Their necks were broken and hung down at unnatural angles.

The Guardian

They had all, always, on these occasions, the aspects and voices, not only to [sic] awful High Priests before Drawing Room altars - but they held their heads at unnatural angles and appeared to be suffering the tortures of agonising souls.

The Guardian - Books

He wasn't quite sure what he was doing, so he experimented freely with lighting and exposures, what people would do when given simple props, how they looked raising their hands at unnatural angles or staring off just past the camera.

The New Yorker

Further up the road surrounding a crater, about ten-feet in diameter and six-feet in depth, the carcasses of burnt out cars lay at unnatural angles across the tarmac.

Vice

Farther up the road surrounding a crater, about ten-feet in diameter and six-feet in depth, the carcasses of burnt out cars lay at unnatural angles across the tarmac.

Vice

Broad documents some horrible mishaps that have resulted from pushing yoga positions too far and too hard: torn ligaments, broken ribs, injuries requiring hip replacement surgery, spinal injuries -- even strokes and brain damage from bending the neck at unnatural angles while applying excess pressure.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It has mind-bending optical illusions, holograms and an "Anti Gravity" room where balls roll uphill, water flows at an unnatural angle and everyone appears to stand at an impossible slant.

BBC

But the ball hit that extra pitching rubber and shot up at an unnatural angle.

The New York Times

I know he's down there, his body sprawled at an unnatural angle on the sidewalk.

The New Yorker

As she landed, her knee bent at an unnatural angle before she somersaulted down the slope.

The New York Times - Sports

And his mouth, still more often smiling than not, opens across the face at an unnatural angle, more vertical than horizontal because of a broken jaw.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at unnatural angles" to vividly describe the distorted or abnormal positioning of objects or body parts, especially in contexts involving accidents, injuries, or surreal scenarios. It is frequently used to describe damage, emphasizing the severity and strangeness of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "at unnatural angles" when describing slight or intentional adjustments in position. This phrase carries a strong connotation of distortion and injury, so reserve it for situations where the positioning is genuinely jarring or disturbing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at unnatural angles" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe how something is positioned. It provides detail about the orientation or arrangement of an object or body part, emphasizing its abnormal or distorted state, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at unnatural angles" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier. Ludwig AI confirms its descriptive power, particularly in highlighting abnormal or distorted positioning, often in contexts involving damage or injury. While its frequency is uncommon, it finds prevalence in News & Media and Wiki sources. To ensure appropriate usage, it's best reserved for situations where the positioning is genuinely jarring or disturbing and avoid overuse in mundane situations. Ludwig examples provide real-world context and guidance for effective implementation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at odd angles

Uses "odd" to convey the sense of strangeness or irregularity in the angles.

in unnatural positions

Shifts focus from angles to positions, retaining the unnatural quality.

at abnormal angles

Uses "abnormal" to indicate a deviation from what is typical or expected.

at irregular angles

Highlights the lack of uniformity or symmetry in the angles.

in awkward positions

Emphasizes the discomfort or difficulty associated with the positioning, shifting the focus from the angle to the resulting state.

at skewed angles

Emphasizes the slanting or oblique nature of the angles.

at distorted angles

Similar to contorted, but emphasizes the alteration from a normal shape or form.

at oblique angles

Similar to skewed, but suggests a less drastic deviation from the norm.

at contorted angles

Highlights the twisted or distorted nature of the angles.

at warped angles

Conveys a sense of bending or twisting out of shape.

FAQs

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

This phrase typically describes the unusual and often disturbing positioning of something. For example, "The victim's arm was bent "at unnatural angles" after the fall", or "The wreckage of the car lay "at unnatural angles" across the road".

What does "at unnatural angles" describe?

It describes a position or orientation that is not normal, expected, or natural. It often implies a forceful or damaging event that caused the distortion.

Which is more appropriate, "at unnatural angles" or "at odd angles"?

"At unnatural angles" suggests a greater degree of distortion and is often associated with trauma or damage. "At odd angles" simply indicates something is not aligned as expected.

What's the difference between "in awkward positions" and "at unnatural angles"?

"In awkward positions" emphasizes the discomfort or difficulty associated with the positioning. "At unnatural angles" focuses on the abnormal and often disturbing orientation, implying a more significant deviation from the norm.