unnatural angle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unnatural angle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a position or orientation that is not typical or expected, often in contexts related to photography, art, or physical movement. Example: "The sculpture was designed to be viewed from an unnatural angle, challenging the observer's perception of balance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

But the ball hit that extra pitching rubber and shot up at an unnatural angle.

The New York Times

I know he's down there, his body sprawled at an unnatural angle on the sidewalk.

The New Yorker

As she landed, her knee bent at an unnatural angle before she somersaulted down the slope.

The New York Times - Sports

"Cricket is not baseball," he reminded me, guiding my arms to an unnatural angle, with the tip of the bat about three inches northeast of my right foot.

The New York Times - Travel

In repose, he tilts his chin up at such an unnatural angle that it invites comparisons to his nation's greatest archvillain, Benito Mussolini.

The New York Times - Magazine

And his mouth, still more often smiling than not, opens across the face at an unnatural angle, more vertical than horizontal because of a broken jaw.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Their necks were broken and hung down at unnatural angles.

The Guardian

In a childish war game, "Those who died with their limbs bent in unnatural angles and could hold their positions the longest were the winners".

The Guardian - Books

They had all, always, on these occasions, the aspects and voices, not only to [sic] awful High Priests before Drawing Room altars - but they held their heads at unnatural angles and appeared to be suffering the tortures of agonising souls.

The Guardian - Books

He wasn't quite sure what he was doing, so he experimented freely with lighting and exposures, what people would do when given simple props, how they looked raising their hands at unnatural angles or staring off just past the camera.

The New Yorker

Hicks' photo showed a curly-haired boy, face down on the sand, his legs twisted into unnatural angles.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical injuries or unnatural phenomena, use "unnatural angle" to vividly convey the severity or strangeness of the situation.

Common error

While "unnatural angle" can be descriptive, avoid using it in situations where a simpler term like "slanted" or "tilted" would suffice. Overuse can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unnatural angle" functions primarily as a descriptive element, modifying a noun (e.g., leg, neck, object). It specifies the atypical or unexpected orientation or inclination of something. Ludwig's examples show it describing physical injuries, distorted perspectives, and unusual placements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unnatural angle" is a descriptive term used to depict a position or orientation that deviates from the norm. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and frequently used in contexts like news reporting and descriptive writing to highlight unusual or distorted arrangements. While phrases such as "awkward angle" or "strange angle" offer similar meanings, "unnatural angle" often carries a stronger connotation of abnormality or injury. When employing the term, consider the level of detail needed and avoid overuse to maintain its descriptive impact. The phrase appears most often in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awkward angle

Focuses on the discomfort or difficulty implied by the angle.

strange angle

Emphasizes the unusual or unexpected nature of the angle.

peculiar angle

Highlights the odd or distinctive quality of the angle.

abnormal inclination

Uses a more formal and technical term for the angle's deviation from the norm.

unusual slant

Replaces "angle" with "slant", emphasizing the tilted or inclined aspect.

distorted perspective

Shifts the focus to the visual effect created by the angle, suggesting a warped view.

irregular positioning

Emphasizes the atypical placement or arrangement resulting in the unusual angle.

crooked alignment

Focuses on the lack of straightness or proper order, leading to an unnatural appearance.

off-kilter position

Uses an informal term to describe something that is unbalanced or not in the correct position.

contorted shape

Describes the resulting form created by the angle, emphasizing its twisted or distorted nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "unnatural angle" to describe a physical position, the orientation of an object, or even a perspective that deviates significantly from the norm. For example: "His leg was bent at an "unnatural angle" after the fall."

What are some alternatives to using "unnatural angle"?

Depending on the context, you might consider using alternatives like "awkward angle", "strange angle", or "peculiar angle" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "unnatural angle" in formal writing?

Yes, "unnatural angle" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing a scene in detail or providing precise descriptions of physical states. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

What does it mean when something is described as being at an "unnatural angle"?

It typically means that something is positioned or oriented in a way that is not normal, expected, or physically comfortable. It often implies a sense of distortion, injury, or strangeness.