awkward posture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "awkward posture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical stance or position that appears uncomfortable or unnatural. Example: "During the meeting, she sat with an awkward posture, making it difficult for her to engage with the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The awkward posture and bumbling movements of Jeffrey Dowd admirably conveyed the Dwarf's ugliness.

The New York Times - Arts

The young psychiatrist found himself tilting sideways into the same awkward posture as George.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And only when dishing up Coward's most ardent mash notes does Mr. Day assume an awkward posture.

The New York Times - Books

Also, he said, the tops of the seats push the head forward, forcing the body into an awkward posture, and the armrests are uncomfortably hard.

The New York Times

He spent much of the afternoon with his shoulders slumped in the awkward posture of defeat as his team gave away a game it could have won.

The New York Times - Sports

Tall and thin, with an angular, awkward posture no matter how he holds himself, Mr. Longstreth seems barely to remember a time when he was not a Dirty Projector.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

In both the controls and the port machinery operators, low back complaints were strongly associated with perceived postural load assessed in terms of frequency and/or duration of awkward postures at work.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Some years ago, for reasons no one knows, the muscles in my back and neck began to spasm involuntarily; the spasms multiply quickly, fatigue the muscles and force the body into repetitive movements and awkward postures like mine.

The New York Times

Topical plays tend to make their characters tote a Big Theme as if they were pack animals, scrunched into awkward postures by the weight of the idea on their backs.

The New York Times

Mr Brown is certainly a weak public communicator, but much of the indecision and awkward posturing is the expression of Labour's existential challenge in holding together a coalition that was built 12 years ago and in very different economic circumstances.

The Guardian - Opinion

Performing mammography leads to awkward postures that can impact radiographers' health.

Insights into Imaging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In ergonomic assessments, use "awkward posture" to identify specific positions that may contribute to musculoskeletal disorders, detailing which joints and muscles are affected.

Common error

Avoid stating that "awkward posture" is the sole cause of chronic pain without considering other contributing factors like repetitive movements or pre-existing conditions. Always present it as one of several potential risk factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awkward posture" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase, modifying a subject by indicating a particular, often uncomfortable or unnatural, physical stance. Ludwig examples show its use in describing individuals, activities, and potential health risks. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "awkward posture" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes uncomfortable or unnatural physical positions. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly found in both scientific and news contexts, often associated with discussions of ergonomics, health risks, and non-verbal communication. When writing, use it to accurately describe physical stances, but avoid overstating its role as a sole cause of health issues. Alternatives like "uncomfortable stance" or "strained pose" can add nuance to your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncomfortable stance

Replaces "awkward" with a synonym emphasizing discomfort.

unnatural position

Focuses on the deviation from a normal or expected body arrangement.

strained pose

Highlights the effort or tension involved in maintaining the posture.

contorted position

Emphasizes a twisted or distorted body shape.

unergonomic posture

Specifically refers to a posture that is not designed for efficiency and safety, often in a work context.

slouching position

Describes a posture where the back is curved and the shoulders are drooping.

cramped posture

Suggests a posture that is confined or restricted in space.

unbalanced posture

Implies a lack of stability or equilibrium in the body's position.

incorrect alignment

Focuses on the misalignment of body parts, which leads to bad posture.

forced posture

Highlights that the posture is adopted because it is necessary, even if it is uncomfortable.

FAQs

How to use "awkward posture" in a sentence?

You can use "awkward posture" to describe someone's physical stance that appears uncomfortable or unnatural. For example: "Long hours at the computer led to an awkward posture and subsequent back pain."

What are the risks associated with maintaining an "awkward posture" for long periods?

Maintaining an "awkward posture" for extended durations can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, chronic pain, and discomfort. It's important to practice good ergonomics to avoid these issues.

Which is correct, "awkward posture" or "bad posture"?

"Awkward posture" and "bad posture" are similar but not identical. "Awkward posture" specifically refers to a position that looks unnatural or uncomfortable, while "bad posture" describes a habitual way of holding the body that deviates from correct alignment.

What can I say instead of "awkward posture"?

You can use alternatives like "uncomfortable stance", "unnatural position", or "strained pose" depending on the context.