out of alignment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "out of alignment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not properly aligned or is misaligned, often in a physical or metaphorical context. Example: "The wheels of the car are out of alignment, causing it to pull to one side while driving."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Well out of alignment there," he pronounces.

The Guardian

When your brand is weak and out of alignment, it's like driving a car when the wheels are out of alignment: It might get you where you want to go, and then again, it might not.

Forbes

4. Are they out of alignment with their inner gods and goddesses? 5. Do they suffer from Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Huffington Post

A hammer toe forms when the small joints of the toes pop out of alignment and become prominent.

Huffington Post

If the bulb seems out of alignment, the bulb may be seated improperly.

WikiHow

Or out of alignment".

The New Yorker

"I'm all out of alignment".

The New Yorker

Also, high winds can knock the dishes out of alignment.

The New York Times - Tech

Something is out of alignment, to be sure.

The New Yorker

His pelvis was also 135 degrees out of alignment.

The Guardian

Doors that won't close properly may be out of alignment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts or systems that are not functioning as expected, use "out of alignment" to highlight the discrepancy between the intended and actual states. For instance, "The company's values were out of alignment with its actions."

Common error

Avoid using "out of alignment" when describing a simple crookedness or bend in an object. Instead, reserve it for situations where the misalignment affects functionality or intended arrangement, such as car wheels or organizational structures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out of alignment" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a state of misalignment or lack of proper arrangement. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "out of alignment" is a versatile expression used to describe a state of misalignment, whether physical or conceptual. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, including news, business, and academic writing. While alternatives like "misaligned" or "out of sync" exist, "out of alignment" offers a slightly more idiomatic feel. To ensure accurate and impactful writing, it is recommended to use "out of alignment" when highlighting significant discrepancies or deviations from an intended arrangement, avoiding its application in scenarios involving simple crookedness. Be aware that its frequency is very common, making it a reliable and appropriate choice in diverse settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

misaligned

This alternative is a single word and directly indicates that something is not properly aligned.

not aligned

This alternative is more direct and simply states that alignment is absent.

unaligned

Similar to "misaligned", but less commonly used.

out of sync

This alternative implies a lack of synchronization rather than physical alignment, applicable to processes or timing.

not in harmony

This alternative suggests a lack of agreement or compatibility, often used in metaphorical contexts.

disproportionate

This alternative suggests an imbalance in size, amount, or degree.

askew

This alternative suggests that something is crooked or not straight.

imbalanced

This alternative emphasizes a lack of balance or equilibrium.

disordered

This alternative emphasizes a lack of order or organization.

in disarray

This alternative suggests a state of confusion or lack of organization.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "out of alignment"?

When something is "out of alignment", it means that it is not in the correct or intended position or arrangement. This can apply to physical objects or abstract concepts.

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

You can use "out of alignment" to describe various situations. For example, "The car's wheels are out of alignment", or "The company's goals are "not in alignment" with its values".

What can I say instead of "out of alignment"?

You can use alternatives like "misaligned", "out of sync", or "not in harmony" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "out of alignment" or "not in alignment"?

Both "out of alignment" and "not in alignment" are grammatically correct. "Out of alignment" is slightly more idiomatic and frequently used.