feel awkward

USAGE SUMMARY

"feel awkward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the emotion of feeling uncomfortable or self-conscious. For example, "I felt awkward at the party because I didn't know anyone there."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This makes me feel awkward.

The New York Times

"I feel awkward," she said.

The New York Times

"It's interesting, they feel awkward.

The Guardian - Business

I am starting to feel awkward.

The New Yorker

Maybe it makes people feel awkward.

The Guardian - Sport

"Yeah, I did feel awkward," Maynard said.

The New York Times - Sports

I feel awkward talking this way.

The New Yorker

I don't want people to feel awkward.

The Guardian

He was right to feel awkward.

The New York Times

It makes you feel awkward in your own home".

The Guardian

Sometimes I feel awkward and don't know what to say.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing social situations, use "feel awkward" to convey discomfort stemming from unfamiliarity or social anxiety. For example, instead of saying "I felt uncomfortable", you can say "I felt awkward meeting my partner's family for the first time".

Common error

Avoid using "feel awkward" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "feel apprehensive" or "feel uneasy" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel awkward" functions as a verb phrase expressing a subjective emotional state. It describes the sensation of discomfort, unease, or self-consciousness in a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage, as seen in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

30%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "feel awkward" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a sense of discomfort or self-consciousness. Ludwig AI's analysis, backed by numerous examples, shows that it is most frequently used in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the formality of the situation, opting for more sophisticated alternatives like "feel uneasy" in formal settings. By understanding its proper usage, you can effectively convey your emotional state in various communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel uncomfortable

Replaces "awkward" with a more general term for unease.

feel self-conscious

Focuses on the awareness of oneself in an uncomfortable way.

feel out of place

Highlights a sense of not belonging or fitting in.

feel uneasy

Uses a more formal term for discomfort.

feel embarrassed

Indicates a feeling of shame or humiliation.

feel strange

Indicates a feeling of unfamiliarity or queerness.

feel ill at ease

Emphasizes a lack of comfort and tranquility.

feel inhibited

Implies a restriction in behavior due to discomfort.

feel apprehensive

Suggests anxiety or fear about a situation.

feel gauche

Implies a lack of social grace or sophistication.

FAQs

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

You can use "feel awkward" to describe a state of discomfort or self-consciousness. For example, "I "feel awkward" when I have to speak in public" or "She made me "feel awkward" by staring at me during the meeting".

What are some synonyms for "feel awkward"?

Alternatives to "feel awkward" include "feel uncomfortable", "feel self-conscious", or "feel out of place". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "feeling awkward" instead of "feel awkward"?

Yes, "feeling awkward" is also correct. "Feel awkward" is often used as a general state, while "feeling awkward" emphasizes the ongoing experience. For example, "I "feel awkward" around strangers" vs. "I was "feeling awkward" during the entire party".

What's the difference between "feel awkward" and "feel embarrassed"?

"Feel awkward" generally implies a sense of discomfort or unease in a social situation, while "feel embarrassed" suggests a feeling of shame or humiliation, often due to a specific action or event.