it is at odds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is at odds" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a disagreement or conflict between two ideas, opinions, or situations. Example: "The new policy is at odds with the company's original mission statement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Opinion

Film

Arts

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Whatever the case for his economic policy in its own right, it is at odds with his national security stance.The second complication is the emergence of Mr Kerry as the Democrats' presumptive nominee.

The Economist

The core of the dictatorship is small, it is at odds with the military in its larger role.

The Guardian

However, it is at odds with everything Marx actually wrote.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is at odds with the moral code of the religion they profess to hold.

The Guardian

But it is at odds with much of his political experience and background.

The New York Times

In that respect it is at odds with the 1998 Good Friday agreement which sought to erase them.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is at odds with other European countries where spirits are taxed at a much higher level than beer".

The Guardian

It is at odds with her elegant black dress, but fits her age – she's 26 – and friendly demeanour.

The Guardian - Film

She called on the firms to "reconsider their support, as it is at odds with science and common sense".

The Guardian

The characters' inner malaise is all the more acute because it is at odds with the banality of the interiors.

The Guardian - Arts

This is a nonsensical decision, not least because it is at odds with Mr. Obama's own vision.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is at odds", ensure that the subjects being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, clarify what 'it' refers to and what it is at odds with.

Common error

Avoid using "it is at odds" when the subject 'it' lacks a clear antecedent. This can confuse the reader and weaken the sentence's impact. Always ensure 'it' has a specific and easily identifiable reference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is at odds" functions as a predicative expression, indicating a state of disagreement, conflict, or inconsistency between two entities or ideas. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to denote opposition. Examples show its usage in describing conflicting policies, beliefs, or behaviors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

27%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is at odds" is a versatile phrase used to indicate disagreement or conflict between two or more things. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The phrase appears frequently in news, scientific literature, and general writing. While the phrase carries a neutral tone, paying attention to the clarity of the subjects being compared is key. Alternatives like "it conflicts with" and "it is inconsistent with" offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts, but it is important to pick the one that fits best. By understanding these aspects, writers can effectively use "it is at odds" to convey contrast and contradiction with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it conflicts with

Implies a direct opposition or incompatibility, stronger than a mere difference.

it is inconsistent with

Highlights a lack of uniformity or coherence.

it clashes with

Suggests a strong, often jarring, disagreement.

it is in opposition to

Formally indicates a state of being against something.

it runs counter to

Indicates a direction opposite to a prevailing trend or expectation.

it is contrary to

Stresses a direct contradiction or opposition.

it deviates from

Emphasizes a departure from a standard or expected path.

it is divergent from

Highlights the act of splitting and moving in different directions.

it is unreconciled with

It's not possible to bring different ideas or needs into agreement.

it is irreconcilable with

Highlights the state where two things can't exist together.

FAQs

How can I use "it is at odds" in a sentence?

Use "it is at odds" to show disagreement or conflict between two things. For example, "His behavior is at odds with his stated beliefs."

What does "it is at odds" mean?

The phrase "it is at odds" means something is in conflict or disagreement with something else. It suggests a contradiction or inconsistency.

Which is correct, "it is at odds" or "it are at odds"?

"It is at odds" is correct. "It" is singular, so it requires the singular verb "is". Using "are" would be grammatically incorrect.

What can I say instead of "it is at odds"?

You can use alternatives like "it conflicts with", "it is inconsistent with", or "it clashes with" depending on the context.