be at odds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be at odds" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where two or more parties have differing opinions or are in conflict with each other. Example: "The two colleagues were often at odds over the best approach to the project, leading to tension in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But they can't be at odds.

Harvard Business Review

However, the motivations can also be at odds.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Democracy and good governance can therefore be at odds.

Stanford University

Increasingly, scale and success seem to be at odds.

Harvard Business Review

"Those goals can be at odds sometimes," Sklute said.

The New Yorker

Those two uses may not be at odds.

The New York Times - Arts

Dispersal and vicariance are sometimes seen to be at odds.

The Guardian

Oddly enough, those two things appear to be at odds".

The New York Times - Science

To be at odds with both looks like carelessness.

The Guardian

Such a theory would, however, be at odds with reality.

The Guardian - Sport

I don't find those views to be at odds".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be at odds", ensure that the subjects being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Their political views are often at odds."

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions with "be at odds". The correct form is always "at odds", not "in odds" or "on odds".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be at odds" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, describing the state of being in conflict or disagreement. Ludwig examples show it used to describe conflicting opinions, values, and interests.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

17%

HuffPost

12%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

The New Yorker

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be at odds" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate conflict or disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various reputable sources, including News & Media, Academia and Huffington Post. While alternatives like "be in conflict" or "be in disagreement" exist, "be at odds" remains a strong and effective choice for expressing opposition in both formal and informal contexts. Remember to use the correct preposition "at" and ensure clarity in defining the subjects being compared.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be in conflict

Focuses on the active state of clashing or fighting, whether literally or figuratively.

be in disagreement

Emphasizes a difference of opinion or a lack of consensus.

be in opposition

Highlights a direct resistance or counteraction to something.

clash with

Implies a forceful encounter or collision, suggesting a more direct and intense disagreement.

conflict with

Indicates incompatibility or direct opposition in principles or actions.

be incompatible

Stresses the inability of two or more things to coexist harmoniously.

be in contention

Emphasizes that something is disputed and a source of argument.

differ from

Focuses on the distinct characteristics that set two or more things apart, often implying disagreement.

be at variance

Suggests inconsistency or discrepancy between two or more things.

be antagonistic

Implies a deep-seated hostility or active opposition.

FAQs

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

"Be at odds" is used to describe situations where two or more things are in conflict or disagreement. For example, "Their opinions on the matter "be at odds"." or "The company's values "be at odds" with its actions."

What can I say instead of "be at odds"?

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

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

"Be at odds" is the correct phrase. "Be in odds" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "be at odds" and "differ from"?

"Be at odds" implies a state of conflict or disagreement, while "differ from" simply means to be different. The former suggests a more active opposition.