were at odds

USAGE SUMMARY

"were at odds" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to be in conflict or disagreement with someone or something. Example: Despite being close friends, John and Sarah were often at odds when it came to politics.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

And so the justices were at odds.

The New Yorker

Just as often they were at odds.

The New York Times - Arts

In 2010, she and the company were at odds.

Stanford University

These positions were at odds with the military's security interests.

Britannica

Once again, "America" and the Americas were at odds.

The New Yorker

The statements, however, were at odds on a key matter.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

But they are at odds.

The Economist

Donors are at odds too.

The Economist

Their missions are at odds.

The New York Times

That's at odds with reality.

The New York Times

Right away, they're at odds.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were at odds" to describe situations where there's a fundamental disagreement or conflict between two or more parties. It implies a sustained state of opposition rather than a momentary dispute.

Common error

Avoid using "were at odds" to describe trivial disagreements or momentary lapses in agreement. The phrase carries a weight suggesting a more profound and persistent conflict.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were at odds" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a state of disagreement, opposition, or conflict. It describes the relationship between two or more entities, as seen in the Ludwig examples where different parties or ideas are in opposition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were at odds" effectively conveys a state of disagreement or conflict between two or more entities. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media and Academic contexts. While suitable for formal and neutral communication, it should be reserved for describing significant disagreements rather than trivial disputes. Alternatives like "were in conflict" or "were in disagreement" may be considered depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember that "were" is used with plural subjects, while "was" is appropriate for singular subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were in conflict

Focuses on the state of conflict rather than simply being in disagreement.

were in disagreement

Emphasizes a lack of agreement between parties.

were in opposition

Highlights direct opposition or resistance.

were clashing

Suggests a more active and forceful disagreement.

were divided

Indicates a split or separation due to differing opinions.

were on opposing sides

Emphasizes the different positions taken in a conflict or argument.

were not in agreement

A formal way of stating disagreement.

had opposing views

Focuses on the difference in opinions rather than the conflict itself.

held conflicting positions

Suggests a more formal and structured disagreement, often in professional settings.

differed sharply

Highlights the intensity of the disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "were at odds" in a sentence?

You can use "were at odds" to describe situations where two or more parties are in conflict or disagreement. For example: "The two factions "were at odds" over the proposed legislation."

What's a good alternative to "were at odds"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "were in conflict", "were in disagreement", or "were clashing" as alternatives to "were at odds".

Is it correct to say "was at odds" instead of "were at odds"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "was at odds" for singular subjects (e.g., "He was at odds with his colleagues"). Use "were at odds" for plural subjects or when describing two or more entities (e.g., "They "were at odds"").

What is the difference between "were at odds" and "were in conflict"?

"Were at odds" implies a state of disagreement or opposition, while "were in conflict" suggests a more active and potentially hostile situation. While they are similar, "were in conflict" often denotes a more intense level of disagreement.