awkward chance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "awkward chance" is not a standard expression in written English and may not convey a clear meaning.
It could be used in contexts where an unexpected or uncomfortable opportunity arises, but it is not commonly recognized. Example: "When he stumbled upon the old letter, it felt like an awkward chance to reconnect with someone from his past."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was an awkward chance, and Queens were often the more coherent side.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

For the Friend Who's Too Rich BUYING a present for a rich friend can feel awkward: Chances are, you can't hope to match the price of the gift he or she will be giving you.

The New York Times

Think about it: if they start out as an awkward fit, chances are things aren't going to get much better.

Huffington Post

Say, "Well this is awkward... ...... Chances are, she'll smile and agree, and it'll be an easy inside joke.

WikiHow

That's right-it may feel awkward, but chances are, if you are trusted, this friend will tell you the truth.

WikiHow

He then missed an awkward red with the chance to seal a 6-1 win, and Lee knocked in a superb break of 78, followed by 94 in the next frame to cut his arrears to 5-3.

BBC

Fashioning chances became awkward, too, once Arteta sustained knee ligament damage in February.

The Guardian - Sport

Having other people there will not only keep both of you from getting nervous, you will also be more comfortable and if there is ever an awkward silence or conversation chances are one of the other people there will help change the subject smoothly.

WikiHow

CM: From there to your first film score, was that an awkward journey or a lucky chance?

The Guardian - Film

Although Stuart Stevens, the Romney strategist, now claims that Mitt "captured the imagination of millions" and ran "with a natural grace," there was very little chance that the awkward gazillionaire was ever going to be president.

The New York Times

A director who prides himself on his economy (one or two takes often suffice) and frugality, Eastwood said: "It moved so fast, nobody had a chance to feel awkward.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "awkward chance", consider the context and whether a more direct synonym like "uncomfortable opportunity" might be clearer for your audience. Ensure the awkwardness and chance aspects are both relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "awkward chance" excessively in formal contexts such as academic papers or business reports. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awkward chance" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "awkward" modifies the noun "chance". This highlights the uncomfortable or uneasy nature of the opportunity being presented. Ludwig identifies the phrase's use in contexts related to news and media.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "awkward chance" is an adjective-noun construction used to describe an opportunity that is uncomfortable or inconvenient. As analyzed by Ludwig, its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig's AI suggests it might not always be the most precise or professional choice in formal writing. Alternatives like "uncomfortable opportunity" or "difficult opportunity" may offer greater clarity in certain situations. Therefore, while understandable, careful consideration of context is crucial when employing "awkward chance".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncomfortable opportunity

Replaces "awkward" with a more direct synonym, emphasizing the discomfort.

unpleasant opportunity

Similar to "uncomfortable opportunity", but conveys a stronger negative connotation.

difficult opportunity

Focuses on the challenging nature of the chance.

tricky situation

Shifts the focus from the chance itself to the overall situation.

delicate possibility

Highlights the sensitivity and potential risks involved.

clumsy opportunity

Replaces "awkward" with a synonym related to lack of grace or skill.

unwieldy prospect

Emphasizes the difficulty in managing or handling the chance.

strange stroke of luck

Combines the concept of chance with an element of peculiarity.

unfortunate possibility

Conveys a sense of regret or potential negative outcomes.

inconvenient opening

Highlights the untimely or troublesome nature of the chance.

FAQs

What does "awkward chance" mean?

The phrase "awkward chance" refers to an opportunity that presents itself in an uncomfortable or inconvenient way. It implies a situation where taking advantage of the chance might lead to uneasy or undesirable consequences.

What can I say instead of "awkward chance"?

You can use alternatives like "uncomfortable opportunity", "difficult opportunity", or "tricky situation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "awkward chance" grammatically correct?

Yes, "awkward chance" is grammatically correct. However, it's not a particularly common or widely recognized phrase, so consider whether a more common alternative might be better understood.

How to use "awkward chance" in a sentence?

Example: "When he stumbled upon the old letter, it felt like an "awkward chance" to reconnect with someone from his past."