awkward pause

USAGE SUMMARY

"awkward pause" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a period of silence in a conversation or interaction when those involved feel uncomfortable or unsure of what to say. For example, "The two argued for several minutes before an awkward pause descended upon them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

An awkward pause followed.

The New York Times

Long, awkward pause.

The New York Times

Longer, more awkward pause.

The New York Times

Then an awkward pause.

The New York Times - Magazine

Another awkward pause.

The New York Times

There followed an awkward pause.

Independent

There was an awkward pause.

The New York Times - Style

I'd rather just have an awkward pause".

The Guardian - Music

[Long, awkward pause] I don't know.

The Guardian - Sport

(Awkward pause …) Jemaine (Consolingly) "Well, no then.

The Guardian

There was an awkward pause while I thought this out.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "awkward pause" to effectively convey a moment of social discomfort or uncertainty in dialogue or narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "awkward pause" when a simple "pause" would suffice. The "awkward" descriptor should only be applied when the silence is genuinely uncomfortable or filled with tension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awkward pause" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and examples show it describing a specific type of silence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "awkward pause" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an uncomfortable silence in a conversation or interaction. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. As highlighted by Ludwig's examples, it frequently appears in news and media contexts, signaling moments of social tension or uncertainty. Alternatives such as "uncomfortable silence" or "strained silence" can be used to add nuance. When writing, ensure the descriptor "awkward" is appropriate to accurately portray the intended feeling of unease.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncomfortable silence

Focuses on the feeling of discomfort rather than the pause itself.

strained silence

Highlights the tension associated with the silence.

uneasy silence

Emphasizes the feeling of unease during the silence.

moment of discomfort

Shifts the focus to the feeling of discomfort rather than the silence.

brief hesitation

Focuses on the act of hesitating before speaking or acting.

pregnant pause

Implies the pause is full of unspoken meaning or anticipation.

uncomfortable lull

Replaces "pause" with "lull", suggesting a temporary cessation of activity.

momentary silence

Simply describes a short period of quiet, without necessarily implying discomfort.

tactful silence

Suggests the silence is deliberate and intended to avoid causing offense.

hesitant interlude

Uses "interlude" to describe a brief break in the conversation, highlighting uncertainty.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "awkward pause" in a sentence?

Use "awkward pause" to highlight moments of discomfort or tension in a conversation. For example, "After the controversial statement, an "awkward pause" filled the room."

What are some alternatives to "awkward pause"?

You can use alternatives like "uncomfortable silence", "strained silence", or "uneasy silence" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to label a pause as "awkward"?

No, only use "awkward" when the silence creates discomfort or tension. A simple "pause" is sufficient for neutral silences.

What's the difference between "awkward pause" and "pregnant pause"?

An "awkward pause" signifies discomfort, while a "pregnant pause" implies anticipation or unspoken meaning. The context determines which phrase is more appropriate.