fall out of alignment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fall out of alignment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where something is no longer in the correct position or arrangement, often in a mechanical or metaphorical context. Example: "Over time, the gears in the machine began to fall out of alignment, causing it to malfunction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It's not hard to imagine teams' expectations may fall out of alignment as people get caught up in the excitement of the day's progress or in the disappointment of not accomplishing everything they thought they would.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Prior to that time, there is always a very significant risk that these two directions fall out of alignment.

TechCrunch

These facts fall out of alignment with the beliefs of pet owners across the country, further sinking far below their expectations.

Forbes

The danger of holding so much paper in your own portfolio is that the short rates Golden West pays its depositors and on its borrowings could fall out of alignment with the long rates it charges on mortgages.

Forbes

The planets will surely fall out of alignment, and bunnies will grow fangs and terrorize our neighborhoods!

Huffington Post

I use the word "align," because when we betray ourselves (some would define this as sinning), we fall out of alignment.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

In turbulent markets, businesses and opportunities are constantly falling out of alignment.

Stanford University

These are convenient if the level falls out of alignment, but the downside is that these levels often lose their accuracy and require frequent tuning.

The New York Times

One day into the 2003 Giants training camp, it appears the stars have not fallen out of alignment for Toomer and Collins.

The New York Times - Sports

As soon as he turned south, onto the migration's route and into a 12-mile-per-hour headwind, the flock fell out of alignment and scattered behind him.

The New York Times - Magazine

But beyond that, Earth and Mars would have fallen out of ideal alignment.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fall out of alignment", ensure the context clearly indicates what was previously aligned and what the consequences of the misalignment are. This enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "fall out of alignment" when describing a situation that was never aligned to begin with. The phrase implies a prior state of agreement or synchronization that has been disrupted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fall out of alignment" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used with auxiliary verbs (e.g., "began to fall out of alignment", "had fallen out of alignment"). It describes the action of losing a previously established state of agreement, synchronization, or correct positioning. Ludwig AI indicates its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

20%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fall out of alignment" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe a loss of agreement, synchronization, or proper positioning. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Wiki, and Academia contexts. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what was initially aligned and the resulting consequences of the misalignment. Alternatives such as "become misaligned" or "drift apart" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become misaligned

Focuses on the process of losing alignment, often implying a gradual shift.

go out of sync

Highlights a loss of synchronization, particularly relevant in contexts involving timing or coordination.

drift apart

Emphasizes a gradual separation or divergence, commonly used in interpersonal relationships or abstract concepts.

become discordant

Suggests a lack of harmony or agreement, often used in musical or abstract contexts.

lose cohesion

Highlights a reduction in unity or coherence, particularly in group dynamics or structural integrity.

deviate from the norm

Focuses on departing from an established standard or expectation.

become incompatible

Emphasizes a lack of ability to coexist or function together harmoniously.

lose its balance

Emphasizes the loss of equilibrium. Relevant when considering things that need balance to function

differ

Emphasizes variation between similar items.

be at odds

Stresses conflict or disagreement, suggesting a state of opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "fall out of alignment" in a sentence?

You can use "fall out of alignment" to describe situations where things that were once in agreement or properly positioned are no longer so. For example: "The team's goals began to "fall out of alignment" as the project progressed."

What's a good alternative to "fall out of alignment"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "become misaligned", "drift apart", or "go out of sync". Each carries slightly different nuances.

Is it correct to say "falling out of alignment"?

Yes, "falling out of alignment" is grammatically correct and represents the continuous or ongoing process of something becoming misaligned.

What does it mean when someone says things are "out of alignment"?

Saying things are "out of alignment" means that they are not in the correct or intended arrangement or agreement. This can apply to physical objects, ideas, or even personal relationships.