awkward language

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "awkward language" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe language that is clumsy, uncomfortable, or not smooth in its expression, often leading to confusion or misunderstanding. Example: "The author's use of awkward language made it difficult for readers to engage with the story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Surely you're not suggesting the awkward language surrounding gender mainstreaming stems partly from male insecurity?

The Guardian

Rich in such information, " 'Nutcracker' Nation" suffers from trite and awkward language.

The New York Times - Books

Specifically, Tanveer says, he'd never have used the phrase "masterful liar," because to him it's "awkward language".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

These scenes also provide appealing evidence of Mr. Payne's graceful way with awkward language, in which complete thoughts and feelings emerge from fragments of talk.

The New York Times

Despite awkward language and plotting, the story, written in 1953, is remarkable for what may be the first fictional treatment of computer crime.

The New York Times - Books

What the play needs to bridge the gap between its sometimes awkward language and its dramatic and spiritual scope is first-rate acting.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The translation is awkward-language delightful.

Huffington Post

She's adept at telling stories against herself; her awkward body language – as reticent as her words are revealing – really brings the self-abasement to life.

The Guardian

But as Swann pointed out, people scrutinize the Trumps' awkward body language because they've seen so much awkwardness before.

Huffington Post

Do they have awkward body language all of a sudden?

The Guardian

Every time you appear on television, there is a flurry of tweets about your fumbling ineloquence or your awkward body language.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing language as "awkward", be specific about what makes it so. Point out the specific words, phrases, or sentence structures that contribute to the awkwardness.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling language as "awkward" without providing concrete examples or analysis. This vague criticism lacks substance and doesn't offer constructive feedback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awkward language" functions primarily as a descriptive term, characterizing language that is clumsy, unclear, or unnatural. It is used to express a negative quality about how something is written or spoken. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "awkward language" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes language lacking clarity or smoothness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, often serving to critique or evaluate the quality of communication. When using this phrase, it's best to provide specific examples to support the assessment. Related phrases include "clumsy phrasing" and "uncomfortable wording", offering alternative ways to express similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clumsy phrasing

Replaces 'language' with 'phrasing' to focus on the specific way words are arranged.

uncomfortable wording

Substitutes 'awkward' with 'uncomfortable' to emphasize the unease the language creates.

clunky language

Uses 'clunky' instead of 'awkward' to suggest a lack of smoothness or flow.

difficult expression

Replaces 'language' with 'expression' to broaden the scope to any form of communication.

stilted prose

Uses 'stilted prose' to refer specifically to writing that seems unnaturally formal or stiff.

infelicitous phrasing

Employs 'infelicitous' for a more formal and negative connotation, implying the phrasing is inappropriate.

inelegant language

Replaces 'awkward' with 'inelegant' to highlight the lack of grace or polish in the language.

ungainly language

Uses 'ungainly' instead of 'awkward' to suggest a lack of coordination or grace.

unwieldy language

Employs 'unwieldy' to emphasize that the language is difficult to handle or use effectively.

tortured syntax

Focuses on the sentence structure being convoluted and difficult to follow.

FAQs

How can I identify "awkward language" in my writing?

Look for sentences that sound unnatural, use convoluted phrasing, or are difficult to understand. Read your writing aloud to identify passages that feel clumsy or /s/uncomfortable+wording.

What can I say instead of "awkward language"?

You can use alternatives like "clumsy phrasing", "uncomfortable wording", or "clunky language" depending on the specific context.

What causes language to be perceived as "awkward"?

Factors such as poor word choice, convoluted sentence structure, excessive jargon, or unnatural phrasing can contribute to language being perceived as "awkward".

Is "awkward language" always incorrect?

Not necessarily. While often undesirable, "awkward language" can sometimes be used intentionally for stylistic effect, such as to create humor or to reflect a character's personality. However, it's generally best to aim for clarity and smoothness in writing.