lists to one side

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lists to one side" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is tilted or positioned at an angle, often in a physical or metaphorical context. Example: "The stack of papers lists to one side, making it difficult to read the top document."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 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

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

The New York Times - Tech

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

The New York Times

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

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

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

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

Huffington Post

Exhale and lean to one side.

Huffington Post

The OMR gallery, the oldest and best established of the neighborhood galleries, housed in a regal 19th-century building on the corner of Plaza Río de Janeiro (Plaza Río de Janeiro 54; 52-55-5511-1179; www.galeriaomr.com), adds its own particular slant to contemporary art with a floor that lists sharply to one side, the result of settling soil (Roma was built on a dry lake bed).

The New York Times - Travel

4. Wall mirror (lists drunkenly to one side).

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lists to one side", ensure the context clearly indicates what object or entity is being described as tilted. This phrase works best when the imbalance or leaning is visually apparent or has a significant impact on the subject's function or appearance.

Common error

Avoid using "lists to one side" without clarifying the reason for the leaning. Vague usage can confuse readers and weaken your description. Always provide context to explain why the subject is tilted, enhancing clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lists to one side" functions primarily as a descriptive element, often acting as part of a predicate to detail the state or condition of a subject. It conveys that something is tilted or leaning, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lists to one side" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe something that is tilted or leaning. Ludwig confirms its accuracy and provides various examples from reputable sources. It is versatile enough for both formal and informal contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media. While alternatives like ""leans to one side"" or "tilts to one side" exist, "lists to one side" effectively conveys the sense of imbalance or deviation. Ensure clarity by providing sufficient context to explain the cause of the tilt.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leans to one side

This alternative replaces "lists" with "leans", providing a more common synonym for tilting.

tilts to one side

This phrase substitutes "lists" with "tilts", emphasizing the angular displacement.

is skewed to one side

This option uses "skewed" to highlight the asymmetrical positioning.

slants to one side

This uses "slants" to describe a sloping direction.

inclines to one side

This alternative employs "inclines", suggesting a gradual leaning.

tips to one side

This variation uses "tips" to indicate a slight and sudden shift in balance.

cant to one side

This option replaces "lists" with "cants", another way to define tilting.

is asymetrical on one side

This replaces "lists" with a complete different approach, defining what the side is.

favors one side

This option describe one side with a positive intention.

deviates to one side

This uses "deviates" to highlight something straying from something else.

FAQs

What does "lists to one side" mean?

The phrase "lists to one side" describes something that is tilted or leaning noticeably towards one direction. It implies an imbalance or lack of equilibrium, causing the object or structure to deviate from a vertical or horizontal alignment.

How can I use "lists to one side" in a sentence?

You can use "lists to one side" to describe physical objects or abstract concepts. For example, "The old tower "leans to one side" due to years of erosion" or "His argument "favors one side" of the issue, neglecting other perspectives".

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

Some alternatives to "lists to one side" include ""leans to one side"", "tilts to one side", or "is skewed to one side", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "lists to one side"?

Yes, "lists to one side" is a grammatically correct and widely understood phrase. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its usage in reputable sources. However, ensure that the context clearly supports the description of something being tilted or imbalanced.