a trifle awkward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trifle awkward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or expression that feels slightly uncomfortable or not quite right. Example: "His attempt at humor was a trifle awkward, leaving the audience in an uncomfortable silence."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Well, OK, that's a trifle exaggerated.

Forbes

A trifle overwrought?

The New Yorker

(He looks a trifle smug).

The New Yorker

Call it a trifle.

The New York Times

Becomes a trifle voyeuristic.

The Guardian - Opinion

[French.] A trifle; a kickshaw.

Yale University

It was a trifle arcane.

The Guardian

The very name was "a trifle".

The New York Times - Arts

Scalia looked a trifle peeved.

The Washington Post

This admission is a trifle overdramatic.

The New Yorker

This seems a trifle cynical.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a trifle awkward" to describe situations that are only mildly uncomfortable, not severely so. It's suitable for understated humor or gentle criticism.

Common error

Avoid using "a trifle awkward" repeatedly in the same piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound affected or monotonous. Vary your descriptive language to keep the text engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trifle awkward" functions as an adjectival modifier. It qualifies a noun by indicating the degree to which something is awkward. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a trifle awkward" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that is mildly uncomfortable or clumsy. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, the phrase's frequency is currently missing according to our dataset. It's most suitable for situations where understated language is preferred, and writers should be mindful of overuse. Alternative phrases like "slightly uncomfortable" or "a bit clumsy" can offer variety. Be aware that while the expression is correct, in spoken English it may give a slightly antiquated impression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slightly uncomfortable

Focuses on the feeling of unease or discomfort, rather than the degree of awkwardness.

A bit clumsy

Highlights the lack of grace or smoothness in the situation.

Somewhat embarrassing

Emphasizes the potential for shame or humiliation.

Rather ungainly

Implies a lack of physical or social elegance.

A little forced

Suggests that the situation feels unnatural or strained.

Marginally inappropriate

Indicates a minor deviation from what is considered acceptable.

Kind of sticky

Implies the situation is messy and hard to deal with.

A touch cringeworthy

Highlights the feeling of vicarious embarrassment.

A tad uneasy

Focuses on the feeling of anxiety or apprehension.

Barely smooth

Highlights the very limited level of smoothness.

FAQs

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

You can use "a trifle awkward" to describe a situation that is slightly uncomfortable or clumsy. For example, "The silence after his joke was "a trifle awkward"."

What's a more common way to say "a trifle awkward"?

While "a trifle awkward" is perfectly acceptable, alternatives like "slightly uncomfortable" or "a bit clumsy" might sound more natural in everyday conversation.

Is it ever wrong to use "a trifle awkward"?

It's not grammatically incorrect, but it may sound overly formal or old-fashioned in some contexts. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

What is the difference between "a trifle awkward" and "very awkward"?

"A trifle awkward" implies a mild level of discomfort, while "very awkward" suggests a much stronger feeling of unease or embarrassment. Use "a trifle" to downplay the severity.