out of location

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "out of location" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to describe something that is not in its proper place or is misplaced, but the expression is not standard. Example: "The equipment is out of location and needs to be returned to the storage room."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Despite stories to the contrary from sources not connected to the actual information, if a user opts out of location tracking on AccuWeather, no GPS coordinates are collected or passed without further opt-in permission from the user.

TechCrunch

For example, until Apple's update to iOS last week, someone who opted out of location services wasn't actually turning off all of his device's location-based sharing.

MIT Technology Review

The academic argues that Facebook needs to offer the ability to opt out of location use entirely, "or, at the very least, an ability to meaningfully specify the granularity of its use and exclude particular areas from being used".

The Guardian - Tech

Once reinstated, the end result should be that zero data is transmitted back to Reveal Mobile when someone opts out of location sharing.

TechCrunch

Today, at Google's San Francisco offices, Google introduced Maps Engine Pro, a utility that allows small businesses to use Google's location tools to create maps out of location databases.

TechCrunch

Though that's just the tip of how it tracks you — if you use Android it will keep running tabs on everywhere you go unless you opt out of location services.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Even when users opt-out of location tracking apps, cell phones still need to connect to towers to transmit calls, which can be used to triangulate a location throughout the day.

TechCrunch

Google tells us to disable this tracking feature, users can opt-out of Location History at any time by clicking a link found in Google Play Music's Settings menu.

TechCrunch

You'll take her to a secure out-of-town location, like your house.

The New Yorker

Out-of-center location.

Los Angeles Times

It was also the show's first major out-of-state location shoot.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a physical object, check if it has been misplaced and returned to its original position.

Common error

Avoid using "out of location" in professional or academic writing. This phrase is not widely recognized as standard English and can make your writing seem less polished and clear. Instead, use alternatives like "misplaced", "not in its proper place" or be more specific about the object location, like "The book belongs on that shelf"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out of location" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often describing the state of something being misplaced or not in its expected position. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in diverse contexts, yet Ludwig AI suggests it's not the most precise or grammatically sound choice.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

28%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "out of location" is used to describe something not being in its correct place, it is not considered standard English and is often seen as grammatically questionable. According to Ludwig AI, it is advisable to use more precise and commonly accepted alternatives such as "misplaced" or "not in its proper place", especially in formal contexts. While examples exist across News & Media, Wiki, and Science sources, opting for clearer language enhances overall communication and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not where it should be

A simple and direct expression indicating an incorrect placement.

misplaced

Refers to something being put in the wrong place or lost, lacking the sense of movement.

out of place

Describes something that does not fit its surroundings or is not in its proper location, slightly more general.

not in its proper place

A more formal and explicit way of saying something is not where it should be.

dislocated

Implies a separation from the original position, often used in medical or physical contexts.

removed from position

Focuses on the action of taking something out of its established spot.

shifted from its setting

Emphasizes a change in environment or the original context of the object.

off-site

Indicates a location away from the main or usual premises.

away from its designated area

Highlights the departure from a predefined or assigned space.

out of alignment

Suggests something is not correctly positioned relative to other things, often used in technical contexts.

FAQs

What does "out of location" mean?

The phrase "out of location" is an uncommon expression that typically suggests something or someone is not where they are supposed to be. It's generally better to use clearer alternatives like "misplaced" or "not in its proper place".

Is "out of location" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "out of location" isn't considered standard English. Using more precise and common phrases like "misplaced" or "not in its proper place" enhances clarity.

How can I rephrase "out of location" in a sentence?

Depending on the context, you can replace "out of location" with alternatives such as "misplaced" (if something has been lost), "out of place" (if it doesn't belong there), or "not in its proper place" (for a more formal tone).

When should I avoid using "out of location"?

It's best to avoid "out of location" in formal writing or professional contexts. Opt for clearer and more widely accepted phrases like "misplaced", "not in its proper place", or "dislocated" to ensure your message is easily understood.