awkward to read

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "awkward to read" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe text or writing that is difficult to understand or follow due to its structure, style, or clarity. Example: "The author's use of complex jargon made the article feel awkward to read, detracting from the overall message."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

If your writing is awkward to read aloud, it's probably awkward to read on the page as well.

The Guardian

I found myself shouting "Bravo!" at the end of every chapter — which made it awkward to read in cafes.

The Washington Post

Each piece is in a four-beat rhythm, like a troubadour song – surprisingly awkward to read aloud yet just waiting for a composer to set them to music.

The Guardian - Books

Catherine, reading in the annex or (breaking all museum protocols) at home in her flat, calls Henry's narrative "intriguing," but the diaries are often dense, awkward to read, somewhat dull.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

PopCo: it's an awkward novel to read and it's about awkward things.

The Guardian - Books

Awkward and hard to read.

The New York Times

An awkward pileup, hard to read.

The New York Times

Awkward to say the least.

TechCrunch

Awkward, to say the least.

HuffPost

He was a technician, awkward, obdurate, fearless, hard to read and virtually impossible to hurt.

The Guardian - Sport

The magazine is only available in a horizontal view, which can sometimes feel awkward when you try to read longer text.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing writing, consider whether "awkward to read" is the most precise term. If the issue is difficulty in understanding, "difficult to read" might be more appropriate. If it evokes a feeling of unease, "uncomfortable to read" might be a better fit.

Common error

While "awkward to read" is acceptable, it can sound informal. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "unclear" or "difficult to comprehend" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awkward to read" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun (often implicit), describing the quality of a written text or narrative. It suggests a sense of unease, difficulty, or lack of smoothness in the reading experience. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "awkward to read" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe text that is difficult or unpleasant to read. While considered acceptable, Ludwig AI and the analysis of its usage across various sources suggests that its frequency is relatively uncommon and alternative phrases may be more appropriate in certain contexts. The usage patterns indicate that this phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Academia. When precision is needed, especially in formal writing, consider alternatives like "difficult to read" or "unclear".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to read

Focuses on the level of challenge in understanding the text.

hard to read

Emphasizes the effort required to read and comprehend the text.

uncomfortable to read

Highlights the unease or unpleasantness experienced while reading.

cumbersome to read

Indicates that the text is lengthy and complex to read.

clumsy to read

Suggests that the writing is not well-structured or smooth.

inconvenient to read

Focuses on the trouble or bother to read the text.

strange to read

Highlights that the text is odd or peculiar to read.

unpleasant to read

Indicates the reading experience is disagreeable.

tricky to read

Highlights that the text is complex and requires close attention.

confusing to read

Focuses on the fact that the text causes a lack of understanding.

FAQs

What does "awkward to read" mean?

The phrase "awkward to read" describes something that is difficult or unpleasant to read due to its construction, style, or content. It suggests the reading experience is not smooth or enjoyable.

What can I say instead of "awkward to read"?

Alternatives include "difficult to read", "hard to read", "uncomfortable to read", or "clumsy to read", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How to use "awkward to read" in a sentence?

You can use "awkward to read" to describe anything from a poorly written sentence to an entire book. For example, "The long, convoluted sentences made the report awkward to read".

Is "awkward to read" subjective?

Yes, whether something is "awkward to read" can be subjective and depend on the reader's familiarity with the subject matter, writing style, and personal preferences.