tilting sideways

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tilting sideways" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is generally used to describe a situation where something is slightly at an angle. For example, "The large painting was tilting sideways on the wall, giving the room an off-kilter feel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The young psychiatrist found himself tilting sideways into the same awkward posture as George.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They both continually show currents passing through the torso — rising vertically from the pelvis, coursing back and forth from shoulder to shoulder, tilting sideways and rotating along the vertical axis of the spine.

The New York Times - Arts

Later on there's dancing, mainly in ballet style, but just as important is the audience onstage: standing, sitting, kneeling, tilting sideways and so serious that something's got to give.

The New York Times - Arts

Make sure that you are rolling in a straight line, not tilting sideways.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Shoulders and pelvis often tilted sideways in opposition, creating a ripple throughout the torso.

The New York Times - Arts

Tulips and daffodils, poor things, tilted sideways under smothering veils of wet snow.

The New York Times

But consider them having sex: Stearns beneath, Myers on top, and his face tilted sideways, gazing at Morris on TV.

The New Yorker

They drift across the stage tilted sideways or split in half to create slender, oddly shaped sea ornaments.

The New York Times - Arts

"I saw the plane tilted sideways, with flame coming out from the middle, and then it nosed down".

The New York Times

The bronze man, head tilted sideways, chest thrust forward, the stumps of its broken off arms pathetically spread out, kicks back with its left leg.

The New York Times - Arts

In the whiteness of an open field a guard tower tilted sideways like someone putting all his weight on one leg.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing movement, consider the speed and stability of the object. "Tilting sideways" can imply a slow, unsteady shift.

Common error

Avoid using "tilting sideways" to describe something that is abruptly or violently changing direction. The phrase suggests a gradual, often unintentional, shift in angle. For a quick and unstable motion consider words like "swerving" or "lurching" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tilting sideways" functions as a modifier, often describing the manner in which an object or person is positioned or moving. It provides detail about the orientation or direction of the tilting action. This is supported by Ludwig, confirming its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Arts

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tilting sideways" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a gradual shift in angle or balance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. While relatively rare in occurrence, it finds its primary context in news, media, and general descriptive writing. Remember to use it to accurately describe gradual rather than abrupt movements. Consider alternatives like "slanting to the side" or "leaning laterally" for nuanced descriptions. Its neutral register and clear meaning make it a versatile addition to your descriptive vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slanting to the side

Focuses on the angle or inclination, emphasizing the direction of the tilt.

tipping laterally

Implies a slight and often unintentional sideways movement.

leaning laterally

Implies a shift in weight or balance towards one side.

listing to one side

Suggests a more pronounced and potentially unstable tilt.

tilting horizontally

Emphasizes the direction of the tilt along the horizontal plane.

canted sideways

Focuses on a deliberate or designed sideways inclination.

inclining horizontally

Highlights the horizontal aspect of the tilting motion.

at a lateral angle

Describes the state of being tilted sideways, focusing on the angular aspect.

banking to the side

Commonly used in the context of vehicles or aircraft.

askew

A single word that describes something positioned at an angle or not straight, often implying something is wrong or out of place.

FAQs

How can I use "tilting sideways" in a sentence?

You can use "tilting sideways" to describe a gradual shift in angle or balance. For example, "The tower was "tilting sideways" due to the earthquake".

What are some alternatives to "tilting sideways"?

Alternatives include "slanting to the side", "leaning laterally", or "listing to one side", each carrying slightly different nuances.

When is it appropriate to use "tilting sideways"?

Use "tilting sideways" when you want to emphasize a slow, often unintentional, shift in angle or balance. It's particularly apt when describing objects or structures that are becoming unstable.

What is the difference between "tilting sideways" and "tilting horizontally"?

"Tilting sideways" generally implies a more general shift in angle, while "tilting horizontally" specifically emphasizes that the tilting motion is occurring along the horizontal plane.