awkward truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "awkward truth" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a truth that is uncomfortable or difficult to accept. Example: "The awkward truth is that not everyone will agree with our decision, no matter how well we justify it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The awkward truth is finally out.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Tarullo is stating the plain and awkward truth.

The New York Times

The awkward truth is that bubbles are popular.

The Economist

We may be about to rediscover that awkward truth.

The Guardian

An awkward truth surfaces and leads to tragedy.

The New York Times

That awkward truth, already apparent before the German election, will become manifest after it.

The Economist

The awkward truth is that although the economy is sprinting ahead, most people are only crawling.

The Economist

That is an awkward truth, but Germans will also pay if the single currency fails.

The Economist

The awkward truth about digital is that the work is never complete.

The Guardian

Yet the awkward truth for Wenger is that no other opponent will be this obliging.

The Guardian - Sport

The awkward truth for United is that Falcao has not reaffirmed it since.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "awkward truth", ensure the context clearly establishes why the truth is considered awkward. Providing specific details helps the reader understand the discomfort or difficulty associated with the truth.

Common error

Avoid using "awkward truth" when a more neutral term like "fact" or "reality" would suffice. The phrase carries a connotation of discomfort or difficulty, so it's best reserved for situations where that element is genuinely present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awkward truth" functions as a noun phrase, where "awkward" modifies the noun "truth". It typically serves to introduce a statement that is uncomfortable, difficult to accept, or potentially embarrassing. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "awkward truth" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression. Ludwig AI analysis shows it serves to introduce uncomfortable or difficult realities across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, its usage implies a degree of discomfort or difficulty associated with the truth being presented. Alternatives such as "uncomfortable reality" or "inconvenient fact" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. When employing "awkward truth", ensure the context clearly establishes why the truth is considered awkward to maximize its impact and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncomfortable reality

Replaces "truth" with "reality", emphasizing the factual nature of the unpleasant situation.

inconvenient fact

Substitutes "awkward" with "inconvenient" and "truth" with "fact", highlighting the troublesome aspect of the reality.

unpalatable reality

Uses "unpalatable" instead of "awkward" to describe a reality that is unpleasant and difficult to accept.

difficult truth

Emphasizes the challenge in acknowledging the truth.

uncomfortable fact

Similar to "uncomfortable reality", but uses "fact" instead.

disagreeable reality

Replaces "awkward" with "disagreeable", indicating an unpleasant aspect of the reality.

troubling truth

Replaces "awkward" with "troubling", emphasizing the disturbing nature of the truth.

challenging reality

Highlights the demanding or testing nature of the situation.

unpleasant truth

Uses "unpleasant" instead of "awkward" to describe the disagreeable nature of the truth.

hard fact

Emphasizes the unyielding and potentially unwelcome nature of the reality.

FAQs

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

You can use "awkward truth" to introduce a fact or reality that is uncomfortable or difficult to accept. For example, "The "awkward truth" is that the project is over budget and behind schedule."

What's a less formal way to express "awkward truth"?

In less formal contexts, you might use phrases like "uncomfortable reality" or "difficult fact" to convey a similar meaning without sounding too serious.

Is "awkward truth" always negative?

Yes, "awkward truth" generally carries a negative connotation, as it refers to a truth that is uncomfortable or problematic in some way. The phrase usually implies some degree of difficulty in accepting or dealing with the truth.

What's the difference between "awkward truth" and "inconvenient truth"?

"Awkward truth" generally refers to a truth that is personally or socially uncomfortable. "Inconvenient truth", popularized by Al Gore, typically refers to a truth that is inconvenient on a larger scale, such as environmental or political issues.