an awkward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an awkward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is uncomfortable, clumsy, or lacking in grace. Example: "There was an awkward silence after he made the unexpected announcement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's an awkward movement".

The New York Times

It is an awkward tool.

The New York Times

"He was an awkward draftsman.

The New Yorker

It was an awkward fall".

The New York Times - Sports

"This is an awkward environment".

The New York Times - Magazine

There followed an awkward lull.

The New York Times - Arts

There followed an awkward pause.

Independent

It was an awkward moment.

The New York Times

It was an awkward fit.

The New Yorker

There was an awkward silence.

The New Yorker

Stewart has an awkward flamboyance.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation, use "an awkward" to convey a sense of unease, discomfort, or social difficulty. Choose it when the primary issue involves social dynamics or a lack of smoothness in interaction.

Common error

Avoid using "an awkward" to solely describe physical clumsiness. While it can imply a lack of grace, it primarily denotes social unease. For physical actions, consider "clumsy" or "ungainly" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an awkward" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It is used to describe something that causes discomfort, unease, or social difficulty. Ludwig AI examples show it applied to various nouns like "silence", "moment", or "situation".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an awkward" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe something causing discomfort or social unease. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse sources, including news, media, and wikis. While suitable for neutral registers, it's important to use it judiciously, ensuring it accurately reflects the intended meaning, particularly in distinguishing social awkwardness from mere physical clumsiness. When you aim to describe a moment or situation lacking smoothness or causing social unease, "an awkward" is your go-to phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an uncomfortable

Highlights the feeling of unease and discomfort associated with the situation or characteristic.

a clumsy

Emphasizes the lack of grace or skill, focusing on the physical or behavioral manifestation of awkwardness.

an embarrassing

Focuses on the potential for shame or humiliation associated with the situation.

a difficult

Focuses on the problematic or challenging aspect of the situation, implying that it is hard to handle.

a delicate

Suggests the situation requires careful handling to avoid causing problems or offense.

a sensitive

Implies the situation is easily affected by external factors or opinions, requiring careful consideration.

a trying

Emphasizes the testing or challenging nature of the situation, highlighting the effort required to navigate it.

an inconvenient

Stresses the disruption or trouble caused by the situation.

a thorny

Illustrates that a situation has many complex and unpleasant problems or difficulties.

a precarious

Suggests a state of instability or uncertainty, where the situation could easily worsen.

FAQs

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

You can use "an awkward" to describe situations, silences, moments, or even people that cause discomfort or are socially challenging. For example, "There was "an awkward silence" after his comment."

What can I say instead of "an awkward"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "an uncomfortable", "an embarrassing", or "a clumsy" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "an awkward"?

Yes, "an awkward" is grammatically correct. The article "an" is used because the word "awkward" begins with a vowel sound.

What's the difference between "an awkward" and "a strange"?

"An awkward" implies discomfort or social unease, while "a strange" suggests something is unusual or unfamiliar. For example, "an awkward silence" suggests discomfort, whereas "a strange noise" indicates something unusual.