somewhat askew

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat askew" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is slightly off or not perfectly aligned. Example: "The picture on the wall was somewhat askew, making the room feel a bit unbalanced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

But her bra was somewhat askew and so was her extremely protuberant belly.

The New York Times

When you couple this with the adjacent rise in divorce rates, one has to question whether the focus has become somewhat askew.

The Guardian

The foundation is solid, the basement is dry, and even though the walls are still somewhat askew, we walk fearlessly knowing there is no risk of falling through the floors.

The New York Times - Travel

Everything's somewhat askew in "ParaNorman," including at Norman's home, where it can be hard for him to assert his individuality and quirks, a struggle made amusingly literal in a shot in which he's bookended by the plumped derrière of his loving mother, Sandra Leslie Mannn), and the rounded belly of his exasperated father, Perry Jeff Garlinn).

The New York Times

Mobile personal assistant Donna has gotten another upgrade, making the app not only more powerful in its ability to help users manage their busy lives, but also more responsive when things go somewhat askew.

TechCrunch

Griffin's bid to become a first-team all-NBA defensive player went somewhat askew during a first half in which he did little to slow Aldridge, who scored 22 points on 10-for-16 10-for-16 10-for-16

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Then he superimposed a second square, somewhat smaller and turned slightly askew, and then a third square, and so on, until he had filled the sheet.

The New Yorker

But it was slightly askew, it turned out.

The New York Times

In the painting, Dr. Taussig's hair was slightly askew.

The New York Times - Arts

Things are slightly askew and jarring.

Vice

One of them, the left one, was slightly askew.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat askew" to subtly suggest that something is not quite right without being overly critical. This phrase is useful when describing visual elements, plans, or even abstract concepts that are slightly off.

Common error

While "somewhat askew" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or technical writing. In such contexts, consider more precise language like "slightly misaligned" or "marginally deviated" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

"Somewhat askew" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying an adjective. It describes the degree to which something is "askew", indicating a slight deviation from a straight or aligned position. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and readily usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somewhat askew" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe something that is slightly out of alignment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and it's primarily found in news and media contexts. While not overly formal, it's versatile enough for various writing styles, though more precise language may be preferred in highly technical or formal settings. The alternatives like "slightly crooked" or "a bit off-kilter" offer similar nuances, depending on the context. Use "somewhat askew" to subtly indicate a minor imperfection or quirk.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly crooked

Replaces "somewhat" with "slightly" and "askew" with "crooked", indicating a minor deviation from straightness.

a bit crooked

Simple substitution for "askew" with "crooked", indicating not straight.

a bit off-kilter

Uses "off-kilter" to replace "askew", adding a sense of imbalance or peculiarity.

slightly out of alignment

Replaces "askew" with "out of alignment", offering a more technical description of the deviation.

somewhat lopsided

Uses "lopsided" as a substitute for "askew", suggesting an uneven or unbalanced appearance.

a little skewed

Replaces "askew" with "skewed", implying a distortion or deviation from a straight line.

slightly awry

Replaces both words to indicate something has gone wrong or is not as it should be.

somewhat tilted

Emphasizes the angle of deviation using "tilted" instead of "askew".

slightly amiss

Shifts the meaning slightly to suggest something is not quite right or in order.

a touch disarranged

Indicates a slight lack of order or neatness, replacing "askew" with "disarranged".

FAQs

How can I use "somewhat askew" in a sentence?

You can use "somewhat askew" to describe something that is slightly out of place or not perfectly aligned. For example, "The picture frame was "somewhat askew" on the wall."

What are some alternatives to "somewhat askew"?

Alternatives include phrases like "slightly crooked", "a bit off-kilter", or "slightly out of alignment", depending on the specific context.

Is "somewhat askew" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "somewhat askew" might be too informal for highly technical or formal writing. Consider using more precise terms like "slightly misaligned" or "marginally deviated" in those contexts.

What does "somewhat askew" imply about the subject being described?

It implies that the subject is not perfectly in order but is not significantly out of place either. The degree of deviation is minor and may even be considered charming or quirky.