awkward position of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "awkward position of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone feels uncomfortable or in a difficult circumstance. Example: "She found herself in the awkward position of having to choose between her two best friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

During my career as a set designer, I was once put in the very awkward position of getting the sole positive note in an otherwise scathing review.

The New York Times

It places Americans in the awkward position of weighing their patriotism against their vocation.

The Economist

"But I now find myself in the awkward position of having to introduce him again.

Independent

Reanimating the ad put Pepsi's current agency in the awkward position of executing another agency's concept.

The New York Times

But the left is now in the awkward position of trying to reinstate it.

The New York Times

He finds himself in the awkward position of orchestrating a death wail.

The New York Times - Books

Mexico finds itself in the awkward position of chasing a drug lord's ghost.

The New York Times

And we are in the awkward position of having this man in our home as our daughter's partner.

The New York Times

That means that Stern is in the awkward position of serving as both commissioner and caretaker of the Hornets.

The New York Times - Sports

The bank is "in a very awkward position of trying to please everybody, which is impossible," Mr. Wolff said.

The New York Times

Afterward, Coach Mike Krzyzewski found himself in the awkward position of having to defend the latest blowout.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "awkward position of" when you want to express that someone is in an uncomfortable or difficult situation, often where they must make a difficult decision or face embarrassment.

Common error

While "awkward position of" is a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "difficult predicament" or "uncomfortable situation" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awkward position of" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, often indicating the state or condition someone or something is in. Ludwig confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase introduces the specific circumstance that makes the position awkward.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0.3%

Wiki

0.3%

Social Media

0.4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "awkward position of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe uncomfortable or difficult situations. Ludwig's analysis indicates its prevalence in news and media, suggesting its widespread use in reporting complex scenarios. While versatile, it’s wise to consider synonyms like "difficult predicament" or "uncomfortable situation" to maintain variety in writing. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and suitable for various writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncomfortable situation of

Replaces "awkward" with a more general term for unease.

difficult predicament of

Focuses on the challenging nature of the situation.

tricky situation of

Highlights the complexity and potential for problems.

delicate situation of

Emphasizes the need for careful handling.

precarious circumstance of

Indicates instability and potential danger.

unenviable position of

Highlights the undesirable nature of the situation.

compromising situation of

Suggests a risk to one's reputation or principles.

invidious position of

Emphasizes the potential for causing offense or resentment.

thorny situation of

Highlights the presence of difficulties and obstacles.

vulnerable state of

Highlights the lack of protection or security

FAQs

How can I use "awkward position of" in a sentence?

You can use "awkward position of" to describe situations where someone faces a difficult or uncomfortable circumstance. For example: "The company was in the "awkward position of" having to lay off employees after a record year of profits."

What are some alternatives to "awkward position of"?

Alternatives include "uncomfortable situation of", "difficult predicament of", or "tricky situation of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "in an awkward position"?

Yes, it is correct to say "in an awkward position". However, the phrase "awkward position of" is often used to introduce a gerund or a noun phrase that describes the specific situation causing the awkwardness.

What's the difference between "awkward position of" and "difficult situation of"?

While both phrases describe challenging circumstances, "awkward position of" often implies a sense of social discomfort or embarrassment, whereas "difficult situation of" can refer to any challenging circumstance, regardless of social implications.