awkward times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "awkward times" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to periods or situations that are uncomfortable, tense, or difficult in social or personal contexts. Example: "We all go through awkward times in our lives, but it's important to remember that they eventually pass."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"There aren't any awkward times," he said.

The New York Times

These are awkward times for women's tennis.

The Guardian - Sport

I didn't get hiccups, I didn't sneeze at any awkward times all day.

The Guardian

And if goalkeeper Manuel Neuer looks at times a nervous beginner, his team is there for him at awkward times.

The New York Times - Sports

But illness often strikes unexpectedly, and when it occurs in politically awkward times, leaders often ignore their pledges.

The New York Times - Health

MLS clubs have lamented the schedule which forces their clubs into action at awkward times in the domestic schedule.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

The confession comes at an awkward time.

The Economist

But it comes at an awkward time.

The New York Times

The judgment comes at an awkward time for E.D.F.

The New York Times

Depay's return comes at an awkward time.

Independent

It was Ramadan, an awkward time to approach government officials.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific event, use "awkward moment" or "awkward situation" for greater precision. Reserve "awkward times" for more extended periods or general phases.

Common error

Avoid using "awkward times" to describe a single, isolated incident. Opt for "awkward moment" or "awkward situation" to maintain accuracy and clarity in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awkward times" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "awkward" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "times". It describes periods or phases characterized by discomfort, difficulty, or unease. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "awkward times" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe periods characterized by discomfort or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers various examples of its usage. While suitable for neutral contexts, more precise alternatives may be preferable in formal writing. Remember to distinguish between "awkward times" for extended periods and "awkward moments" for singular events. The phrase appears frequently in news and media sources and less often in more specialized contexts like academic or scientific writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult periods

Focuses more on the challenging aspect of the time rather than the social discomfort.

uncomfortable moments

Highlights the feeling of unease and lack of ease during specific instances.

challenging phases

Emphasizes the developmental aspect of the difficult period, often implying growth or transition.

delicate situations

Indicates that the situation requires careful handling due to potential for negative consequences.

sensitive moments

Implies a need for heightened awareness and consideration of feelings.

tricky situations

Suggests the presence of complexities and potential pitfalls that need careful navigation.

inconvenient circumstances

Focuses on the disruptive and troublesome nature of the events.

unpleasant episodes

Emphasizes the negative emotional experience associated with the events.

testing circumstances

Stresses the challenging nature of the situation and its impact on one's resilience.

sticky situations

Implies a difficult situation that is hard to get out of without negative consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "awkward times" to describe periods characterized by discomfort or difficulty. For example, "Puberty is a time when young teenagers try to make their way through "awkward times" of not knowing what to say and strange growth spurts".

What are some alternatives to "awkward times"?

Consider using alternatives like "difficult periods", "uncomfortable moments", or "challenging phases" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "awkward times" in formal writing?

While "awkward times" is generally acceptable, in formal writing, more precise alternatives like "delicate situations" or "sensitive moments" might be more suitable, depending on the intended meaning.

What is the difference between "awkward times" and "awkward moments"?

"Awkward times" refers to a longer duration or period, whereas "awkward moments" describes singular, isolated events. Use "awkward moments" for specific instances and "awkward times" for broader phases or periods.