awkward juncture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "awkward juncture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or moment that is uncomfortable or difficult, often involving a transition or decision point. Example: "During the meeting, we reached an awkward juncture when discussing the budget cuts, and no one knew how to proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Sport

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

This week's appearance by the victims' family members came at an awkward juncture for the Pentagon.

The New York Times

Kahn caught Suzman, known as Miss Helen to the country's black majority, at an awkward juncture.

The New Yorker

Last weekend they conceded 51 points to Glasgow and are bumping into the English champions, Harlequins, at an awkward juncture.

The Guardian - Sport

Rooney, despite reaching an awkward juncture in his professional life, is the more reliable marksman by some distance.

The Guardian - Sport

A few months on, he is now "at an awkward juncture, because the book could absolutely flop, and I'm quite sanguine about that.

The Guardian - Books

This could have proved an awkward juncture in the holiday schedule: a couple of hours of parental us-time ahead, with the only place to enjoy it now waiting to be turned into our children's bed.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Setting aside the awkward truth that Varoufakis was an architect of the negotiating strategy that led Greece to this juncture, his historical analogy is worth considering.

The New Yorker

A critical juncture".

The New Yorker

While it might have made for some awkward dinner chat, it lent a new depth of meaning to Xi Jinping's otherwise bland comment to Donilon that relations with the U.S. are at a "critical juncture".

The New Yorker

"This is a critical juncture".

The New York Times

leader at this critical juncture.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "awkward juncture", consider the emotional tone you want to convey. While it indicates discomfort, it also implies a moment of significance or decision. Use it when you want to highlight both the difficulty and the importance of the situation.

Common error

While "juncture" is a valid word, overuse can make your writing sound stilted. In informal contexts, consider using simpler words like "time", "point", or "moment" to avoid creating an unnecessarily formal or artificial tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awkward juncture" functions as a noun phrase, where "awkward" modifies the noun "juncture". It typically serves as a subject complement or an object of a preposition, describing a specific point in time or a situation characterized by difficulty or discomfort. As Ludwig explains, it aptly describes situations involving transitions or decision points.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

20%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Travel

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "awkward juncture" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes a difficult or uncomfortable point in time. As Ludwig confirms, it is often used to highlight a delicate or significant moment, particularly in situations involving transitions or decisions. While not extremely common, it appears in a range of contexts, primarily in news media, books, and sports reporting. Consider alternatives such as "uncomfortable situation" or "delicate moment", especially in informal contexts. Be mindful not to overuse "juncture" to maintain a natural tone. In essence, "awkward juncture" effectively conveys a sense of unease and importance surrounding a specific point in time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncomfortable situation

This alternative focuses on the feeling of unease present at the juncture.

delicate moment

This phrase highlights the sensitivity required at that particular time.

sensitive point

This option emphasizes the potential for causing offense or difficulty.

difficult stage

Focuses on the challenging nature of the phase or period.

precarious situation

Emphasizes the risk or instability of the situation.

tricky phase

This alternative highlights the complexity and potential for missteps.

unsettling period

This emphasizes the disquieting nature of the time frame.

uneasy transition

Highlights the discomfort associated with the shift or change.

inopportune time

This alternative focuses on the poor timing of the situation.

challenging crossroads

This alternative emphasizes the difficulty of the decision-making process at this point.

FAQs

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

You can use "awkward juncture" to describe a difficult or uncomfortable point in time, like: "The negotiations reached an awkward juncture when the issue of finances was raised." or "The company found itself at an awkward juncture following the scandal".

What's a good substitute for "awkward juncture"?

Alternatives to "awkward juncture" include "uncomfortable situation", "delicate moment", or "sensitive point", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "awkward juncture" formal or informal?

"Awkward juncture" leans towards a more formal register. In very casual settings, phrases like "tricky spot" or "uncomfortable moment" might be more appropriate.

What makes a juncture "awkward"?

A juncture becomes "awkward" when it involves uncertainty, potential for conflict, or a disruption of expectations. It implies a need for careful navigation and sensitivity to avoid negative consequences.