awkward issues

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "awkward issues" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe uncomfortable or difficult topics that may cause embarrassment or tension in a conversation or situation. Example: "During the meeting, we had to address some awkward issues that had been lingering for too long."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

In part because switching to a republic raises awkward issues.

The Economist

But there are still some awkward issues to clear up.

The Economist

All receive Rajasthan's minimum wage of 60 rupees a day.Success is raising awkward issues.

The Economist

Yet if Amy's penchant for murder may be harmless, her lesser sins raise more awkward issues.

The Guardian - Film

And there are other awkward issues that an Anglican ought to face.

The Guardian - Opinion

Auditors agree that this makes it easier to do a tough audit: management is more hesitant about pushing them to make fine judgments on awkward issues.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Workplace discrimination has been an awkward issue for Mr. Bloomberg.

The New York Times

Energy is an awkward issue for Mr Bush.

The Economist

Climate change is an awkward issue for our leaders.

The Guardian - Opinion

The kids' sense of belonging raised an awkward issue: Were they becoming more Russian than American?

The New York Times - Magazine

Sans-papiers have long proved to be an awkward issue for the government.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "awkward issues" in writing, provide specific context to clarify the nature of the awkwardness to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "awkward issues" as a vague placeholder. Instead, identify the specific issues involved to enhance clarity and provide better insight for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awkward issues" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "awkward" modifies the noun "issues". It describes matters that are uncomfortable, sensitive, or difficult to address. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "awkward issues" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe sensitive or uncomfortable subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, its frequent use in news and media highlights its versatility in various contexts. When writing about "awkward issues", it's crucial to provide specific context to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. Remember to address the issue directly and offer balanced perspectives, and avoid generalizations to add value to your written work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Delicate matters

Focuses on the sensitivity and careful handling required.

Complicated situations

Stresses the intricate and involved nature of the issues.

Uncomfortable subjects

Refers to topics that make people feel uneasy or embarrassed.

Sensitive topics

Emphasizes the potential for causing offense or emotional distress.

Problematic situations

Focuses on situations that are full of difficulties and uncertainties.

Sensitive problems

Implies vulnerability and care is needed when solving problems.

Tricky problems

Highlights the complexity and difficulty in resolving them.

Challenging questions

Emphasizes the difficulty in finding satisfactory answers.

Contentious points

Points out disagreement or debate.

Difficult predicaments

Highlights the challenging and often stressful nature of situations.

FAQs

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

You can use "awkward issues" to describe uncomfortable or sensitive topics that need to be addressed, such as, "During the meeting, we had to address some "awkward issues" that had been lingering for too long."

What are some alternatives to "awkward issues"?

You can use alternatives like "delicate matters", "sensitive topics", or "tricky problems" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "awkward issues"?

Yes, "awkward issues" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules as an adjective modifying a noun.

What makes certain issues "awkward"?

Issues become "awkward" when they involve sensitive, uncomfortable, or potentially embarrassing topics that are difficult to discuss openly and honestly.