awkward period

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "awkward period" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a time frame characterized by discomfort or social unease, often in personal relationships or social situations. Example: "During our teenage years, we went through an awkward period where we struggled to communicate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

The decade proved to be an awkward period for photojournalism.

The Guardian - Arts

Other emerging economies endure this awkward period in relative obscurity, attracting only cursory attention.

The Economist

That core should lead the Nets through an awkward period and into Brooklyn.

The New York Times - Sports

For people who have lived here all their lives it is an awkward period.

The Guardian - Music

Awkward Period Despite its growth spurt, e-ticketing is still in its awkward adolescence.

The New York Times - Travel

Yet Mr Fino seems almost resigned to an awkward period of further power-sharing between the Socialists and Mr Berisha.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Buy-and-hold investment strategists say it's likely — though by no means guaranteed — that long-term investors who stick to a well-thought-out plan can ride out awkward periods like this with few ill effects.

The New York Times

"This is not unlike when the film industry started to dabble in black culture and all the awkward periods the film industry went through," he said of how race and ethnicity is handled in video games.

The New York Times - Tech

But others hope that it will also avoid awkward periods of "cohabitation," like the one France is experiencing now, with the president and the prime minister belonging to different parties and working, often, at cross purposes.

The New York Times

Some also say it will cut down or eliminate awkward periods of "co-habitation" like the one France is experiencing now, with a president and prime minister from different parties and often working at cross- purposes.

The New York Times

Many hope that putting the presidency and the legislators on a matching five-year cycle would help reduce the awkward periods of "cohabitation," such as the one France is experiencing now, when the president and the prime minister belong to different parties.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "awkward period", consider the specific emotion or situation you want to convey. Choose synonyms if you want to emphasize a particular aspect, such as the difficulty or sensitivity of the time frame.

Common error

Avoid assuming the "awkward period" is solely due to external events. Consider internal factors like personal growth, shifting relationships, or changing perspectives that might contribute to the unease.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awkward period" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a specific duration characterized by unease or difficulty, as supported by examples from Ludwig. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Huffington Post

8%

Vice

6%

Less common in

TechCrunch

1%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "awkward period" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a time frame marked by discomfort, difficulty, or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase serves to characterize specific durations as challenging or socially uneasy. While maintaining a neutral register, it is important to carefully consider the underlying reasons for the "awkward period", looking beyond surface-level explanations. Alternatives such as "difficult phase" or "uncomfortable stage" can be considered to emphasize particular aspects of the situation. The usage is consistent and authoritative, predominantly stemming from reputable news sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult phase

This alternative emphasizes the challenging nature of the time frame.

uncomfortable stage

This alternative highlights the feeling of unease associated with the period.

challenging time

This highlights the demanding nature of the period.

tricky situation

This shifts the focus to the problematic circumstances surrounding the period.

sensitive time

This highlights the need for careful handling during this period.

delicate moment

This emphasizes the fragility and potential for disruption during the period.

uncertain juncture

This emphasizes the lack of clarity or predictability during the period.

precarious moment

This stresses the instability and potential danger of the period.

tough spot

This alternative provides a more informal way to describe a difficult situation.

inopportune moment

This highlights the bad timing or unsuitability of the period.

FAQs

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

You can use "awkward period" to describe a phase marked by social discomfort or difficulty. For example, "The company went through an awkward period after the merger."

What's a good alternative to "awkward period"?

Depending on the context, you could use "difficult phase", "uncomfortable stage", or "tricky situation".

Is it correct to say "an awkward period of time"?

While technically correct, "an awkward period of time" can be redundant. The word "period" already implies a duration of time, so "awkward period" is usually sufficient.

How does "awkward period" differ from "difficult time"?

"Awkward period" often implies a social or interpersonal discomfort, whereas "difficult time" can refer to any challenging situation, regardless of its social implications.