awkward feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "awkward feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sense of discomfort or unease in a particular situation. Example: "When I walked into the room and saw my ex, I was overwhelmed by an awkward feeling that made it hard to relax."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

HuffPost

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

You know that horrible, awkward feeling...when you go somewhere, public or private, and feel like you are underdressed, overdressed or just stand out like a sore thumb?

Huffington Post

This, in turn, makes those conflicts feel natural and organic and creates both tension and that awkward feeling of not knowing how you want any given conflict to be resolved.

Forbes

It's an awful and awkward feeling.

The Guardian

"At the beginning anyway, he had a slightly awkward feeling about him".

The New York Times

Maybe it's because television provides a distance that removes the awkward feeling people have about real-life weirdos.

The New York Times - Arts

"But there's no question, I mean, it's an awkward feeling going somewhere where Americans aren't really wanted.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

There have been no setbacks in his recovery, he said, but in each step of his return, he has had "awkward" feelings in the arm.

The New York Times - Sports

There have been underlying feelings between the two for a while, and after Delaney's almost death, both of them struggle with the awkward feelings.

The Guardian

Chilly temperatures were not nearly as strange as the awkward feelings about the teetering Red Sox: Is this the last time Martínez will pitch?

The New York Times - Sports

Organised township tours such as those run by JMT Tours & Safaris ([phone] £41.50 for a three-hour tour) can raise awkward feelings of voyeurism and "poverty tourism".

The Guardian - Travel

I think he's going to do the same and have a great season this year, whatever awkward feelings there may be.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, use "awkward feeling" to reflect a character's internal state, making it relatable to the reader or audience. For example: "She had an "awkward feeling" when she realized she'd forgotten his name."

Common error

While "awkward feeling" is acceptable, try not to overuse it as a catch-all phrase. Instead, delve deeper into the specific emotion or sensation. Is it embarrassment, unease, or a sense of being out of place? Choosing a more precise term will make your writing more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awkward feeling" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "awkward" modifies "feeling". Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability, highlighting its descriptive role in conveying a sense of unease.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

15%

HuffPost

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "awkward feeling" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a sense of unease, often in social situations. According to Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for use in written English. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it frequently appears in news and media, as well as in more informal contexts. While versatile, it is essential to use it precisely, considering alternative phrases like "uncomfortable feeling" or "sense of unease" for nuanced expression. While generally neutral in register, the specific context can influence the perceived formality. Overusing it as a catch-all term should be avoided for greater writing impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncomfortable feeling

Focuses more on the general sense of unease and discomfort.

sense of awkwardness

Replaces the general 'feeling' with a more specific sensation of awkwardness.

uneasy sensation

Highlights the physical aspect of the feeling, suggesting a bodily discomfort.

sense of unease

Emphasizes the mental or emotional state of being unsettled.

uncomfortable situation

Shifts the focus from the feeling itself to the external circumstance causing discomfort.

social discomfort

Specifically points to discomfort arising from social interactions or settings.

feeling out of place

Highlights the sense of not belonging or fitting in.

embarrassing situation

Focuses on the potential for shame or humiliation.

unsettling experience

Highlights the disruptive and potentially disturbing nature of the feeling.

nagging feeling

Suggests a persistent and bothersome sense of unease.

FAQs

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

You can use "awkward feeling" to describe a situation or interaction that causes discomfort. For example, "There was an "awkward feeling" in the room after the joke fell flat."

What are some alternatives to "awkward feeling"?

Alternatives include "uncomfortable feeling", "uneasy sensation", or "sense of unease" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "an awkward feeling" or should it be "a awkward feeling"?

It should be "an awkward feeling" because "awkward" starts with a vowel sound. The article "an" is used before words beginning with a vowel sound, while "a" is used before words beginning with a consonant sound.

What's the difference between "awkward feeling" and "uncomfortable feeling"?

While similar, "awkward feeling" often implies a social or interpersonal discomfort, while "uncomfortable feeling" can refer to physical or emotional discomfort. The nuance depends on the context.