listing to one side

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "listing to one side" is not correct; it should be "leaning to one side." You can use it to describe an object or person that is tilted or not upright, often used in physical descriptions or observations.
Example: "The old bookshelf was leaning to one side, making it difficult to keep the books from falling off."

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The white and green bus stood listing to one side, its panels and windows peppered with shrapnel and bullet marks.

The New York Times

Yet as rendered by Mr. Greenspan, his body listing to one side and his voice pitched in a childlike murmur of reassurance, that most oversung of songs sounds fresh and heartbreaking.

The New York Times

I was never invited inside Judy's house, which looked like a shack, ramshackle and listing to one side.

The New York Times

The ferry was three hours from its destination when it sent a distress call after it began listing to one side, according to the Ministry of Security and Public Administration.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

But it was Grandma, with her furtive sips of whisky and occasional blasts of vanilla-scented flatulence, that captured the imagination – despite a slight mishap on the Friday, when a snapped cable caused her head to list to one side and it appeared, for an awful moment, as if she might have suffered a stroke.

The Guardian

Since there's nothing to anchor the pole to, it lists to one side, as if hit by a truck.

The New Yorker

The house listed to one side, and Kype realized why when he looked up a narrow set of steps and saw the flying bridge.

The New Yorker

He struggled to stand, then listed to one side and collapsed again.

Huffington Post

Nor will your jeans list to one side; the Peek weighs only 3.8 ounces.

The New York Times - Tech

The journey took longer than initially estimated, with a travelling speed of 1-1.5 knots an hour, and the rig, which was towed by two tugs, exhibited a severe list to one side once in the water.

The Guardian

Exhale and lean to one side.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing ships or nautical contexts, "listing to one side" can be appropriate, but ensure the audience understands the terminology.

Common error

Avoid using "listing" when you mean a simple incline or slope. "Listing" often implies a more severe imbalance or a problem, unlike "leaning" or "slanting".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "listing to one side" functions as a descriptive verb phrase indicating a state of imbalance or inclination. It specifies the direction of the list or lean, often providing visual information about the subject.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Lifestyle

19%

Travel

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "listing to one side" is an acceptable, though not universally preferred, way to describe something that is tilted or leaning. According to Ludwig, although not incorrect, a more common phrasing is "leaning to one side". While understandable in most contexts, it is particularly relevant in nautical settings. The phrase is used to describe a physical state of imbalance, primarily in news and lifestyle content. When writing, remember that while "listing" conveys a tilt, "leaning" is often a more common and less dramatic alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leaning to one side

Implies a less severe and often temporary tilt. This is a more common and generally accepted alternative.

tilting to one side

Similar to "leaning", but can also imply a more sudden or forceful movement.

slanting to one side

Suggests a more permanent or built-in angle, rather than a temporary imbalance.

careening to one side

Implies a rapid and uncontrolled tilting motion, often due to external forces.

inclining to one side

A more formal and less common way of saying "leaning", suggesting a deliberate action.

tipping to one side

Implies a loss of balance and a possible fall.

sloping to one side

Describes a gradual decline or incline, rather than a sudden tilt.

lurching to one side

Suggests an abrupt and unsteady movement, often due to a sudden stop or change in direction.

canting to one side

A nautical term referring to a ship's inclination. It has a specialized meaning.

heeling to one side

Another nautical term for a ship tilting due to wind or waves. It has a specialized meaning.

FAQs

What does "listing to one side" mean?

The phrase "listing to one side" describes something that is tilted or leaning towards one direction, often due to imbalance or damage. It's frequently used in nautical contexts to describe a ship's tilt.

Is it more correct to say "leaning to one side" or "listing to one side"?

While both phrases are understandable, "leaning to one side" is generally more common and widely accepted. "Listing to one side" is often associated with nautical terminology or situations where something is severely tilted due to damage.

What are some alternatives to "listing to one side"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "leaning to one side", "tilting to one side", or "slanting to one side". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Can "listing to one side" be used to describe a person?

Yes, "listing to one side" can describe a person, but it suggests a significant imbalance or instability. It might be more appropriate to use "leaning to one side" or "tilting to one side" for a less dramatic description.