awkward work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "awkward work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or job that feels uncomfortable, clumsy, or difficult to perform. Example: "The presentation was filled with awkward work, making it hard for the audience to stay engaged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The iMac makes awkward work of it.

The New York Times

While it remains in place, the towering white tent has proven an awkward work space.

The Washington Post

The Fairy Queen, composed in 1692, has always been an awkward work to stage.

The Guardian

The season opened on a high, with Puccini's most awkward work, the dramatically unbalanced but musically enchanting La rondine (1917).

The Guardian - Music

"Synecdoche" (sih-NECK-doh-key) is not exactly a starter movie, reflecting the awkward work of a first-timer feeling his way.

The New York Times

"The plot thickens," Mr. LeBlanc said, "because the show was picked up and it's on the air, and now everyone has to work together and make the best of an awkward work environment.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"This was awkward, working in an enemy country so close to our border," she said.

The New Yorker

The work conditions in the engine room (ER) are demanding due to, e.g. the thermal climate, noise and awkward working postures.

Applied Ergonomics

Some did admit, though, that they might feel awkward working in a public uniform for a private employer.

The New York Times

The present manuscript aims to investigate the occurrence of awkward working postures and the consequent prevalence of the Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Ailments (SMA) among the shop floor workers of Indian small and medium scale injection molded plastic furniture manufacturing factories.

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

It subsides in the final gallery of late work, where a wall of shadowy, wonderfully awkward works on silk provide a serene yet majestic fade-out.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing work that involves physical discomfort or unnatural body positions, use "awkward work" to effectively convey the ergonomic challenges. For instance, "Construction workers often deal with awkward work postures that lead to musculoskeletal disorders."

Common error

Avoid using "awkward work" in highly formal business or academic writing where more precise and professional terms like "challenging task" or "complex procedure" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awkward work" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "awkward" modifies the noun "work". It serves to describe the nature or quality of the work being discussed, often highlighting its difficulty or discomfort, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Arts

16%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "awkward work" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe tasks that are challenging, uncomfortable, or require difficult postures. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its acceptability and usage in various contexts. While not exceedingly common, it effectively conveys the difficulty or discomfort associated with a particular task. When choosing alternatives, consider nuances such as skill level or the type of difficulty involved. Remember to avoid using "awkward work" in excessively formal contexts where more precise terminology is needed. As Ludwig examples show, this term applies broadly from describing physical strain in construction to socially uncomfortable tasks in professional environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clumsy task

Emphasizes a lack of grace or skill in the execution of the work.

uncomfortable job

Highlights the unpleasant or uneasy feeling associated with the work.

difficult assignment

Focuses on the challenging nature of the work to be done.

challenging endeavor

Highlights the effort and difficulty involved in the work.

laborious undertaking

Stresses the demanding and tiring nature of the work.

tricky operation

Implies that the work requires careful handling and precision.

delicate procedure

Suggests the work needs to be handled with care and attention to detail.

precarious activity

Highlights the potential risks or instability associated with the work.

sensitive task

Focuses on the need for tact and discretion in performing the work.

taxing chore

Emphasizes the burden and unpleasantness of the work.

FAQs

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

You can use "awkward work" to describe tasks that are difficult, uncomfortable, or require unnatural positions. For example, "The plumber had to perform some "awkward work" to fix the pipes under the sink."

What are some alternatives to "awkward work"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "clumsy task", "difficult assignment", or "challenging endeavor".

Is "awkward work" a grammatically correct phrase?

Yes, "awkward work" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe work that is physically or mentally uncomfortable, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "awkward work"?

"Awkward work" is suitable in various contexts, from describing physical labor to tasks that involve social unease. However, consider using more formal alternatives in academic or business settings.