awkward angle

USAGE SUMMARY

"awkward angle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a difficult or uncomfortable position or situation. For example, "The tight corner made it hard to move the couch, and we had to adjust it to an awkward angle in order to fit it through the door."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It came at an awkward angle and Hughes looked skyward.

The New York Times

Now it is held at an awkward angle, like a mamoty ploughing a paddyfield.

The Guardian

Its rooftop juts from the high phragmites at an awkward angle.

The New York Times

When healed, the finger was still bent at an awkward angle backwards.

Independent

Then he slotted the kick, a tricky one, at an awkward angle from out on the left.

The Guardian - Sport

Her tongue juts from the left side of her mouth because her jaw, once broken, healed at an awkward angle.

The New York Times - Sports

It'll be taken by Drogba, who presumably will go straight for goal even though it's an awkward angle.

The Guardian - Sport

The map of the world sits at an awkward angle, blue ocean disappearing behind the iron bookshelf.

The Guardian - Books

It was sticking out at an awkward angle, and Winnie's arm hovered for a long time above it.

The New Yorker

He said he hurt it when his standing leg slipped at an awkward angle on a kick during practice.

The New York Times - Sports

One wing held out at an awkward angle, tail fanned, she piped loudly to attract my attention.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects or positions, use "awkward angle" to clearly convey an uncomfortable or unstable arrangement. For example, "The statue was leaning at an awkward angle after the earthquake."

Common error

Avoid using "awkward angle" when describing abstract concepts like relationships or business strategies. Instead, opt for phrases like "difficult situation" or "challenging perspective" to maintain clarity and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awkward angle" primarily functions as a descriptive element within a sentence, modifying a noun to indicate a specific, often undesirable, spatial orientation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in a wide range of written contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "awkward angle" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe something positioned in an uncomfortable or unusual way. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for describing physical arrangements rather than abstract concepts. When striving for precision, consider alternatives like "uncomfortable position" or "difficult placement". While the phrase is typically neutral in tone, using more formal language may be necessary depending on your specific register and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncomfortable angle

Replaces "awkward" with a synonym emphasizing physical or mental discomfort.

inconvenient angle

Substitutes "awkward" with a term focusing on the problematic nature of the angle.

awkward perspective

Replaces "angle" with a broader term relating to viewpoint or outlook.

awkward bend

Emphasizes the physical contortion or curvature aspect of the angle.

difficult angle

Highlights the challenge or complexity associated with the specific angle.

unnatural angle

Implies something is not in its normal position or alignment.

unusual orientation

Focuses on the atypical positioning or direction.

precarious angle

Highlights a sense of instability or danger due to the angle.

funny angle

Indicates strangeness or oddity regarding the angle.

weird angle

Uses a more informal term to describe something strange.

FAQs

How can I describe something positioned uncomfortably instead of saying "awkward angle"?

You could use phrases like "uncomfortable position", "difficult placement", or "unstable arrangement" depending on the specific situation.

Is "awkward angle" suitable for formal writing?

While "awkward angle" is widely understood, consider using more precise language in formal writing, such as "unconventional orientation" or "non-standard position", depending on the context.

What does it mean when something is described as being at an "awkward angle"?

It means that the object or position is not aligned correctly, is uncomfortable or difficult to manage, or appears unbalanced and potentially unstable.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "awkward angle"?

It is generally inappropriate to use "awkward angle" when describing abstract or emotional situations. For example, instead of saying "the conversation took an awkward angle", try "the conversation became uncomfortable".