awkward circumstance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "awkward circumstance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is uncomfortable or difficult to navigate. Example: "During the meeting, I found myself in an awkward circumstance when I accidentally interrupted my boss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It's kind of an awkward circumstance," said Michael Useem, a management professor at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

The New York Times

Fortunately, just in time for the holidays, there is a new crop of books that address etiquette for every imaginable awkward circumstance, though admittedly it may not be the best manners to give one of these books as a gift.

The New York Times - Books

The polite thing to do under such awkward circumstance is to say thank you, so I did.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But the in-form Trott was ideally suited to awkward circumstances and responded with a typically hard-working 50.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Megna said that similar awkward circumstances existed in many stressed state agencies and that many state commissioners earned less than judges.

The New York Times

Because the hose could be carried through holes in the wall, around partitions, and so on, the instrument enabled levels to be established in awkward circumstances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But when bankers leave in awkward circumstances, they make out like a lottery winner (Bob Diamond, formerly of Barclays, has done worse on this score than others).

The Economist

The Times has extensive written ethics guidelines because even the best and most honorable journalists can find themselves in awkward circumstances that can affect their credibility — and the newspaper's — with a public that has little trust in journalists.

The New York Times

Since taking over as chancellor, Mr Schröder had already been forced to part with seven ministers under equally awkward circumstances, and he did not want to lose another just before the general election.

The Economist

It was not one of her great performances - she was too concerned for her sister's welfare for that - but she showed real champion qualities in prevailing in awkward circumstances.

The Guardian - Sport

But while he has found a way to survive in awkward circumstances, he might not have impressed sufficiently to convince David Sullivan and David Gold, the owners, to reward him with a long-term deal.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an "awkward circumstance", be specific about what makes the situation uncomfortable. Providing context will help your reader understand the nuances of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "awkward circumstance" as a catch-all phrase. Instead, try to describe the situation with more precise language to capture the specific type of discomfort or challenge involved. For example, instead of saying "It was an awkward circumstance", specify if it was "a tense negotiation" or "an embarrassing misunderstanding".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awkward circumstance" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "awkward" modifies the noun "circumstance". It describes a specific type of situation or event. The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "awkward circumstance" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to describe an uncomfortable or challenging situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s frequently found in news and media, but also appears in encyclopedias and wikis. While "awkward circumstance" is generally acceptable, it's best practice to use more specific language when possible to capture the nuance of the situation. Related phrases include "uncomfortable situation" and "difficult predicament", each emphasizing slightly different aspects of the scenario.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncomfortable situation

Focuses on the feeling of unease rather than the specific conditions.

difficult predicament

Emphasizes the challenging nature of the situation.

delicate situation

Highlights the need for careful handling.

tricky situation

Emphasizes the complexity and potential for problems.

unfortunate event

Shifts the focus to the negative outcome.

clumsy situation

Suggests a lack of grace or skill in handling the situation.

embarrassing episode

Highlights the potential for shame or humiliation.

unpleasant development

Focuses on the unwelcome nature of the situation's evolution.

sticky situation

Suggests a situation that is difficult to escape from.

peculiar incident

Highlights the strangeness or unusual nature of the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "awkward circumstance" to describe a situation that is uncomfortable, embarrassing, or difficult to navigate. For example: "The polite thing to do under such "awkward circumstance" is to say thank you."

What phrases are similar to "awkward circumstance"?

Alternatives to "awkward circumstance" include "uncomfortable situation", "difficult predicament", or "delicate situation".

Is "awkward circumstance" grammatically correct?

Yes, "awkward circumstance" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English to describe an uncomfortable or difficult situation.

When is it best to use "awkward circumstance" versus another similar phrase?

Use "awkward circumstance" when you want to emphasize the uncomfortable or clumsy nature of a particular set of conditions. Other phrases may highlight different aspects, such as the difficulty or sensitivity of the situation.