awkward to watch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "awkward to watch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is uncomfortable or difficult to observe, often in the context of performances, videos, or interactions. Example: "The movie had some scenes that were so poorly acted, they were truly awkward to watch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It was awkward to watch, yet winning.

The New York Times - Arts

This process can be awkward to watch.

The New Yorker

"This has been really awkward to watch," said Joe Maddon, the Rays' manager.

The New York Times - Sports

It was very awkward to watch him walking on his stumps.

The Guardian - Arts

He's awkward to watch: hopping about at the crease, fidgeting, carving and swiping to score, poor at masking consternation.

The Guardian - Sport

Whatever happened, it was as awkward to watch as it must have been for him to be standing there.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The kids -- and the adults -- are growing up, and so it's to be expected that some of that process is going to be bit awkward, or even uneasy, to watch.

Huffington Post

Removing Phantom Menace also gets rid of the whole midichlorians nightmare, as well as ejecting awkward-to-watch mini-Anakin Jake Lloyd, pod racing and most of Jar Jar.

The Guardian - Film

His attempts to reconnect with Jessica are awkward and painful to watch, and someone is peering into their bedroom: Carrie.

The New York Times - Arts

CNN's Chris Cillizza said the town hall was "weird, awkward and difficult to watch," with Schultz repeatedly avoiding to answer direct questions.

Forbes

Its Valentine's Day video, Kiss Goodbye to Awkward, is definitely one to watch and features some of the 100 days bloggers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene or performance, use "awkward to watch" to convey a sense of discomfort, embarrassment, or unease experienced by the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "awkward to watch" to describe something that is physically uncomfortable for the person performing the action. It's for describing the observer's feeling, not the performer's physical state. For example, instead of saying "It was awkward to watch him lift the heavy box", which implies audience discomfort, consider "It looked like it was difficult for him to lift the heavy box."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awkward to watch" functions as an adjectival phrase describing the quality of an experience or performance. It modifies an implied noun, indicating that something is causing discomfort or unease in the viewer, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Arts

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "awkward to watch" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe experiences that evoke discomfort or unease in an observer. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correctness and highlights its frequent use in News & Media. When writing, remember that the phrase refers to the viewer's experience, not the performer's physical state. Alternatives such as "uncomfortable to view" and "difficult to watch" provide similar meanings. By considering these nuances, you can use "awkward to watch" effectively to express your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncomfortable to view

Emphasizes the discomfort experienced by the viewer.

difficult to watch

Focuses on the struggle or challenge in watching something.

painful to see

Highlights the emotional distress caused by witnessing something.

cringe-worthy to behold

Emphasizes the feeling of embarrassment or awkwardness experienced while watching.

embarrassing to observe

Focuses on the feeling of embarrassment that the observer experiences.

unpleasant to look at

Directly states the lack of pleasure in viewing something.

hard to stomach watching

Implies something is so unpleasant it's difficult to tolerate.

not easy on the eyes

A more figurative way to express something unpleasant to view.

unsettling to witness

Highlights the disturbing or disquieting nature of the observed event.

jarring to see

Emphasizes the shocking or disruptive nature of something seen.

FAQs

What does "awkward to watch" mean?

The phrase "awkward to watch" describes something that makes an observer feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, or uneasy. It usually applies to social situations, performances, or videos that create a sense of unease.

How can I use "awkward to watch" in a sentence?

You can use "awkward to watch" to describe a variety of situations. For example, "The interview was so stilted and uncomfortable that it was "awkward to watch"".

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

Alternatives to "awkward to watch" include "uncomfortable to view", "difficult to watch", or "painful to see". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "awkward to watch" grammatically correct?

Yes, "awkward to watch" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard English construction of an adjective followed by a preposition and an infinitive verb.