right angle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "right angle" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to an angle that measures exactly 90 degrees. For example, "The two walls meet at a right angle." Alternative expressions include "90-degree angle" and "perpendicular angle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's hardly a right angle in sight.

The New York Times

"Each pin is fed in at the right angle.

The New York Times

(c) The affair angle is not a right angle.

The New Yorker

I guess you had to have just the right angle.

The New York Times

Hands hanging palms front white feet heels together right angle.

The Guardian - Books

The right angle makes for more visually interesting, dynamic images".

Independent

Make sure your knee keeps in a right angle position.

Independent

Inside corners are stress points, so they should curve rather than meet at a right angle because right-angle corners are more likely to crack than curved ones.

The New York Times

One of them is Lizzy Gaskin, director of corporate event business Right Angle Events, who said: "Right Angle Events has benefited from the Growth Accelerator programme.

The Guardian

Anything can be interesting as long as you access it from the right angle.

The Guardian

The picture was snowy, and it had to be positioned at just the right angle.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, use "right angle" or "90-degree angle" interchangeably, but maintain consistency within the document.

Common error

Avoid assuming that any intersection is automatically a "right angle". Verify the angle measures exactly 90 degrees or is explicitly designed to be perpendicular. Just because two lines meet, doesn't make it a right angle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "right angle" primarily functions as a noun, often used adjectivally to describe something forming or relating to a 90-degree angle. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct. Examples include describing corners, geometric shapes, or the positioning of objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

28%

Wiki

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "right angle" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves primarily to describe a 90-degree angle in various contexts, from technical specifications to everyday descriptions. While alternatives like "90-degree angle" exist, "right angle" remains a versatile choice across diverse settings. While maintaining precision is key, its consistent and accurate usage makes it a reliable element in both formal and informal communication. With high usage in News & Media, Science and Wiki sources, "right angle" stands as a common and authoritative expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

90-degree angle

Uses a numerical value to specify the angle, providing a more technical alternative.

perpendicular angle

Emphasizes the perpendicularity of the lines forming the angle.

square angle

Highlights the square shape associated with a right angle.

normal angle

Refers to the concept of a 'normal' vector being perpendicular to a surface.

orthogonal angle

A more formal and technical term for perpendicularity, often used in mathematical contexts.

right-angled corner

Specifically describes a corner that forms a right angle.

square corner

Similar to "right-angled corner", emphasizing the square shape.

perpendicular intersection

Focuses on the intersection of two lines at a right angle.

orthogonal intersection

A formal term for the intersection of two lines at right angles.

an angle of 90 degrees

Specifies the angle measurement in a descriptive way.

FAQs

How can I use "right angle" in a sentence?

You can use "right angle" to describe geometric shapes, spatial relationships, or specific measurements. For example, "The corner of the room forms a "right angle"", or "Ensure the shelf is mounted at a "right angle" to the wall".

What's another way to say "right angle"?

Alternatives to "right angle" include "90-degree angle", "perpendicular angle", or "square angle", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say 'approximately right angle'?

While understandable, "approximately right angle" is less precise. Consider saying "close to a right angle", "nearly a right angle", or specifying the actual angle measurement if known.

When is it appropriate to use 'right angle' versus '90-degree angle'?

"Right angle" is more common in general descriptions and less formal contexts. "90-degree angle" is often preferred in technical, mathematical, or scientific writing where numerical precision is important.