feel awkward about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel awkward about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing discomfort or unease regarding a particular situation or topic. Example: "I always feel awkward about discussing my salary with colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Would Pagan feel awkward about taking Beltran's place in center field for a whole season?

The New York Times - Sports

"I used to feel awkward about it, but I shrugged it off.

The New York Times - Arts

"We didn't want anyone to feel awkward about it," Ms. Zeisel explained.

The New York Times

Dear Martin, Billy Dear Billy, I wouldn't say I feel awkward about St George's Day.

The Guardian

He sought her counsel during meetings; it made aides and colleagues uneasy, several said, because she seemed to feel awkward about it, and sometimes had little to say.

The New York Times

Boomerangs still want to have sex, but both they and their parents are likely to feel awkward about them doing it under the parental roof, says Mr Regnerus.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Maybe I felt awkward about naming the place where I grew up — feeling, I don't know, strange about it in some way.

The New Yorker

Paul, though happy with Nancy, is appalled at her extravagance and feels awkward about her child.

The New Yorker

Mr. Shakhrin said he now felt "awkward" about having taken part.

The New York Times

He actually started the conversation, because I felt awkward about bringing it up".

The New York Times - Sports

Gone are the days when people felt awkward about the word "multicultural", when people doubted the benefits of immigration.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "feel awkward about", ensure the context is clear and the reason for the discomfort is evident. This will help the reader understand the specific situation or topic causing the unease.

Common error

While "feel awkward about" is generally acceptable, avoid using it in highly formal or professional writing where a more sophisticated and precise term like "uncomfortable", "concerned", or "apprehensive" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel awkward about" functions primarily as a subjective expression of emotion or discomfort in relation to a specific topic or situation. Ludwig's examples show that it describes a personal sentiment of unease or self-consciousness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

17%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel awkward about" is a common and grammatically sound way to express discomfort or unease regarding a situation or topic. According to Ludwig AI, it's perfectly usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, the phrase conveys a personal sentiment of self-consciousness or unease. While versatile, it may be less appropriate in highly formal contexts, where alternatives like "feel uncomfortable with" or "feel uneasy about" might be more suitable. Remember to ensure the context is clear to help your reader fully grasp the reason behind the feeling.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel self-conscious about

This highlights the awareness of oneself and concern about how one is perceived by others, a key component of feeling awkward.

feel uncomfortable with

This alternative suggests a general sense of unease or lack of ease in a situation, which is slightly broader than feeling awkward.

feel ill at ease with

This implies a general discomfort and lack of relaxation, similar to feeling awkward but broader in scope.

feel uneasy about

This implies a mild anxiety or apprehension, often due to uncertainty, differing slightly from the self-consciousness of feeling awkward.

feel out of place in

This focuses on not fitting in with the surroundings or social group, a common reason for feeling awkward.

feel embarrassed by

This suggests a stronger sense of shame or humiliation, often due to a social misstep, which can be a cause of feeling awkward.

feel sheepish about

This suggests a feeling of mild embarrassment or foolishness, often after a mistake, which is a specific instance of feeling awkward.

feel strange about

This implies a sense of unfamiliarity or oddness, which can lead to feeling awkward, but also applies to less social situations.

feel inhibited about

This suggests a restraint in behavior due to fear of disapproval or judgment, a consequence of feeling awkward in some situations.

feel apprehensive about

This indicates a feeling of worry or dread about something that might happen, which differs from the present discomfort of feeling awkward.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "feel awkward about" to sound more professional?

In professional settings, consider using alternatives like "feel uncomfortable with", "feel uneasy about", or "feel concerned about" to convey a more formal tone.

Is it grammatically correct to say "feel awkward about"?

Yes, "feel awkward about" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure of a verb ("feel") followed by an adjective ("awkward") and a preposition ("about"). Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

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

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

How to use "feel awkward about" in a sentence?

You can use "feel awkward about" to describe your feelings toward a situation or topic. For example, "I feel awkward about discussing my salary with colleagues" or "She felt awkward about accepting the compliment".