awful position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "awful position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is very difficult, unpleasant, or undesirable. Example: "After the sudden layoffs, many employees found themselves in an awful position, unsure of their future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

I put her in an awful position.

The Guardian

It put me in a very awful position".

The New York Times - Magazine

"We sympathize with his wife and share her feelings in the awful position she was in," she said.

The New York Times

"I was put in an awful position," agonised Corden – and one has to concede the plight of an awards show host puts so much else into perspective.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He acknowledges that the people who are writing the style manuals and guides for the new medium are in "an awful position".

The New York Times - Tech

The vigorous and omnipresent American ambassador, James Rosapepe, shuns him because of such statements, and Mr. Chirieac said Mr. Tudor's expected second-place finish "will put Romania in an awful position -- it might turn the West's face away from us".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

I voted for her twice in Senate, but found her campaign one disgraceful capper to some awful positions.

Huffington Post

But how often have we ever heard the awful, hateful position on race offered up by William F. Buckley, the right's ultimate intellectual champion?

The New York Times

Although Napoleon manoeuvred with customary brilliance, as evidenced by overturning the awful initial French position, the growing size of his armies stretched even his impressive mental faculties.

Wikipedia

But their position is awful".

Independent

I've put it in position an awful lot, which is encouraging, and if I do that tomorrow, then I'm going to be in a good position".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "awful position", consider whether a more specific adjective (e.g., 'precarious', 'vulnerable') would more accurately convey the nuances of the situation.

Common error

While "awful position" is generally acceptable, in formal writing, consider replacing "awful" with a more sophisticated synonym like "dire", "precarious", or "unenviable" to enhance the tone and precision of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awful position" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. The adjective "awful" intensifies the negativity associated with the noun "position", denoting a state or situation that is particularly unpleasant or difficult, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "awful position" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a difficult or unpleasant situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to convey concern or disapproval, predominantly within the context of News & Media sources. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to consider more sophisticated synonyms like "dire" or "precarious" in formal writing. To enhance your writing, be mindful of context and audience when employing this phrase. Remember to also check the alternatives that Ludwig can suggest, such as "terrible predicament" or "dreadful situation", for increased nuance and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terrible predicament

Replaces "position" with "predicament" to emphasize the difficult and troublesome nature of the situation.

dreadful situation

Substitutes "awful" with "dreadful" and "position" with "situation" to convey a sense of fear and negativity.

unpleasant circumstance

Replaces "awful" with "unpleasant" and "position" with "circumstance" to soften the intensity while maintaining the negative connotation.

difficult situation

Focuses on the challenging aspect of the position, using more neutral language.

unenviable position

Highlights the undesirable nature of the position, suggesting that no one would want to be in it.

precarious situation

Emphasizes the instability and potential danger associated with the position.

tough spot

Uses informal language to describe a challenging position.

a bad place to be

Focuses on the negativity and undesirability of the situation from a personal perspective.

compromising situation

This phrase emphasizes that the "position" could damage someone's reputation or principles.

a sticky situation

An informal alternative that suggests a tricky or awkward situation.

FAQs

How can I use "awful position" in a sentence?

You can use "awful position" to describe a situation that is very difficult, unpleasant, or undesirable. For example: "After the scandal, the politician was in an "awful position".

What are some synonyms for "awful position"?

Alternatives include "terrible predicament", "dreadful situation", or "unenviable position" depending on the context.

Is "awful position" formal or informal?

"Awful position" is generally considered neutral. For more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "precarious situation" or "dire circumstance".

What is the difference between "awful position" and "difficult situation"?

"Awful position" emphasizes the unpleasant or undesirable aspects of a situation, while "difficult situation" focuses more on the challenges involved. The former carries a stronger negative connotation.