an awkward request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an awkward request" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a request that feels uncomfortable or difficult to make or fulfill. Example: "I have to make an awkward request, but could you lend me some money until payday?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Then we get an awkward request from a Chinese factory asking us to teach them how to set up the production process".

The New York Times

The Power has a look at 89, but makes a right old hash of it and Van Gerwen polishes off 25 with his third dart finding double 8. Updated at 9.21pm GMT 9.17pm GMT Here's Simon McMahon with an awkward request: "Wow!

The Guardian - Sport

For better or worse, this eliminates the need for an awkward request for someone's phone number, and instead empowers the recipient to block anyone they don't want to talk to.

TechCrunch

It may feel like an awkward request, but if the other can truly offer you this, it will be well worth the discomfort in asking.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

ItsAnOutrage2 shares their caution, but proposes a system for dealing with awkward requests: I always have an old, spare copy of Master and Commander to lend.

The Guardian - Books

Its £5.5m budget will be no higher this year (and may even be cut), despite a projected 15% rise in the caseload.That the money comes from the Ministry of Justice, which also advises the rest of Whitehall on how to deal with awkward requests, is a "slightly uncomfortable situation", says Mr Thomas.

The Economist

But General Kelly made the request at an awkward moment — amid the "sequestration" budget cuts — and just before President Obama, amid a mass hunger strike among the inmates, began to revive his effort to transfer low-level inmates and ultimately shutter the prison.

The New York Times

She finally got to see the boss who said "this request places me in an awkward position, because you haven't yet earned any sick leave".

The New Yorker

An explicit request to circulate puts people in an awkward position: they can say no and look rude, or drop the ball and look disorganized.

Huffington Post

The request puts the Bush administration in an awkward position.

The New York Times

Industry executives note that Halliburton's request for extra money came at an awkward moment, just as oil prices were reaching their lowest point in a decade.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, consider providing context or explanation to soften the potential negative perception. Explain why the request is awkward or why it's necessary despite the discomfort.

Common error

Avoid using "an awkward request" simply to add drama or negative color to a situation. Ensure the request genuinely involves social discomfort or potential embarrassment; otherwise, a simpler term like "difficult request" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an awkward request" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'awkward' modifies the noun 'request'. It describes the nature of the request, indicating it is uncomfortable or difficult to make or fulfill. Ludwig AI supports this, as demonstrated by the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an awkward request" is a phrase used to describe a request that is not only difficult to fulfill but also carries social discomfort or potential embarrassment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and most commonly found in News & Media contexts. When writing, it is important to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring that the request genuinely warrants the descriptor. Alternatives like "a difficult request" or "a challenging request" may be more suitable if the social discomfort aspect is not present. Recognizing these nuances will allow for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult request

Focuses on the challenge or labor involved in fulfilling the request.

an uncomfortable request

Highlights the feeling of unease or embarrassment associated with the request.

a delicate request

Suggests the need for careful handling due to the sensitive nature of the request.

a problematic request

Emphasizes the potential issues or complications arising from the request.

a troublesome request

Indicates the request is likely to cause inconvenience or difficulty.

an inopportune request

Highlights the poor timing or circumstances surrounding the request.

a cringe-worthy request

Conveys a sense of embarrassment or discomfort associated with the request.

a thorny request

Suggests the request is complex and filled with potential problems.

a tough ask

An informal way of saying the request is difficult to grant.

a sticky request

Implies the request is potentially controversial or sensitive.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "an awkward request" to sound more formal?

Consider using alternatives such as "a delicate request", "a sensitive matter requiring your attention", or "a potentially challenging request" to maintain politeness and professionalism.

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

"An awkward request" implies social discomfort or embarrassment, while "a difficult request" simply suggests the request is hard to fulfill.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "an awkward request"?

Use "an awkward request" when the situation involves potential embarrassment, social discomfort, or a need for delicate handling. For instance, asking a colleague for money or requesting a personal favor from your boss might qualify.

What are some less emotionally charged alternatives to "an awkward request"?

If you want to avoid emphasizing the emotional aspect, you could use phrases like "a challenging request", "a complicated matter", or a specific description of the request without the adjective.