a slightly awkward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slightly awkward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, interaction, or feeling that is not entirely comfortable or smooth. Example: "The conversation took a turn and became a slightly awkward moment for everyone involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Window cleaning is, by its nature, a slightly awkward job.

The New York Times

In person, there's a slightly awkward charm about him.

The New York Times - Magazine

"At the beginning anyway, he had a slightly awkward feeling about him".

The New York Times

We were in a slightly awkward situation at the end of the game.

Independent

There's a slightly awkward moment in the lift, when I can't think of anything to say.

Independent

Only Rodolphe Briand's Monostatos, in bondage gear, strikes a slightly awkward note.

The Guardian - Music

AAnd then there's Truman himself, who proves a slightly awkward hero.

The New York Times - Books

He was therefore always a slightly awkward leader of the economic determinists of the left.

The Guardian

Utah will alight on the world stage like a slightly awkward debutante at her first dance.

The New York Times

Opposite her was a slightly awkward looking man I didn't recognise.

The Guardian

But Berenson, reluctantly at first, and then with a slightly awkward warmth, joins in.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a slightly awkward" to describe situations where the discomfort is mild and temporary, rather than deeply disturbing or intensely embarrassing.

Common error

Avoid using "a slightly awkward" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "a bit uncomfortable" or "a little strained" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slightly awkward" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe a particular quality or characteristic. The Ludwig AI also identifies it as an adjective phrase + adverb. For example, "a slightly awkward silence" where it describes the type of silence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slightly awkward" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe situations, feelings, or interactions that are mildly uncomfortable. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is commonly found in News & Media, offering a nuanced way to express unease without being overly dramatic. When writing, remember to use this phrase to indicate a mild level of discomfort and avoid overuse by varying your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a somewhat uncomfortable

Replaces "awkward" with "uncomfortable", emphasizing the feeling of unease.

a mildly embarrassing

Substitutes "awkward" with "embarrassing", highlighting the potential for shame or humiliation.

a tad clumsy

Replaces "awkward" with "clumsy", focusing on a lack of grace or finesse.

a little strained

Changes "awkward" to "strained", suggesting tension or forced interaction.

a bit uneasy

Replaces "awkward" with "uneasy", highlighting a feeling of anxiety or apprehension.

somewhat inappropriate

Shifts the focus to the suitability of the situation, interaction, or feeling.

marginally difficult

Emphasizes the degree of challenge present in the interaction or situation.

rather peculiar

Focuses on the strangeness or oddity of the event, feeling, or situation.

kind of odd

An informal substitute focusing on the bizarreness of the situation.

slightly out of place

Suggests that something doesn't quite fit or belong.

FAQs

How can I use "a slightly awkward" in a sentence?

You can use "a slightly awkward" to describe a situation, feeling, or interaction that's not entirely comfortable. For example, "There was "a slightly awkward" silence after his comment."

What can I say instead of "a slightly awkward"?

You can use alternatives like "a bit uncomfortable", "a little strained", or "a tad clumsy" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a slightly awkward" or "slightly awkward"?

Both can be correct depending on the sentence. "A slightly awkward" is used when it modifies a noun (e.g., "a slightly awkward silence"). "Slightly awkward" can be used as an adverb modifying an adjective or verb (e.g., "He felt slightly awkward").

What's the difference between "a slightly awkward" and "a very awkward" situation?

"A slightly awkward" indicates a mild level of discomfort or unease, while "a very awkward" situation implies a much stronger and more uncomfortable experience.