gets more awkward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gets more awkward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is becoming increasingly uncomfortable or socially challenging. Example: "As the conversation continued, it gets more awkward when no one knew how to respond to the unexpected question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For when it comes to being in the space as opposed to looking at it, it gets more awkward.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And the situation only got more awkward when cafe owner Tony Foufas, who served Mr Miliband, said he actually felt that the Conservatives were more "pro-business" and would not be inclined to vote Labour.

Independent

It may mean diplomatic tensions, if Russia sees itself in a contest for influence over other European countries still outside the EU.Awkward as feelings may be between Russia and the West, they are liable to get more awkward when Mr Yeltsin goes perhaps in 2000 when his term ends, sooner if his health fails him.

The Economist

It can't get more awkward from there.

Huffington Post

The exchange only got more awkward from there.

Huffington Post

After trying to forget about the incident, things get more awkward between the two.

Wikipedia

And as if it couldn't have gotten more awkward, it did.

Huffington Post

United Nations climate talks in Morocco are continuing, and things are getting more awkward for Australia.

Vice

As the conversation got more awkward, Bremer did what so many peeved guests before him have done: tried to lecture his interviewer about how the segment should be going.

Huffington Post

It's really only the wives or girlfriends of other guys who figure out I'm gay (because I don't ruthlessly check them out) and they get more awkward than me.

Vice

In fact, they got more and more awkward, as details about Albert's real business slipped out: custom-made wedding dresses for thousands of dollars that were shipped to South America, clients who came in and bought their whole look, head to toe, from Albert.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gets more awkward" to vividly depict escalating discomfort or social unease in narratives and descriptions. For example, "The silence in the room gets more awkward with each passing second."

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "gets more awkward" in your writing. Vary your descriptions by using synonyms like "becomes more uncomfortable" or "turns progressively embarrassing" to keep your writing fresh and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gets more awkward" functions as a descriptor indicating a change in a situation or interaction, specifically its movement towards increased social discomfort or unease. As Ludwig AI indicates, this is considered correct and usable English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gets more awkward" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe situations that are becoming increasingly uncomfortable. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness for use in English writing. While it's prevalent in news and media, and also found in wikis, writers should be mindful of the register and consider more sophisticated alternatives for formal contexts. Varying vocabulary and using synonyms can prevent overuse and enhance clarity. When writing with "gets more awkward", remember it will vividly depict escalating discomfort or social unease in narratives and descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becomes increasingly uncomfortable

Emphasizes the increasing level of discomfort.

grows more uncomfortable

Highlights the gradual increase in unease.

turns progressively embarrassing

Focuses on the escalating feeling of embarrassment.

evolves into a more delicate situation

Suggests a gradual shift towards a sensitive or challenging state.

descends into greater unease

Implies a downward trend into a state of discomfort.

escalates into greater tension

Focuses on the increasing level of stress and strain.

develops into a more strained atmosphere

Highlights the creation of a tense and uncomfortable environment.

morphs into an unhappier scenario

Emphasizes the transformation into a less pleasant situation.

spirals into increased adversity

Indicates a worsening situation with growing difficulties.

devolves into a complex conundrum

Highlights the descent into a confusing and intricate problem.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "gets more awkward" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "becomes increasingly delicate", "evolves into a more strained situation", or "descends into greater unease" to convey a similar meaning with a higher degree of formality.

What are some synonyms for "gets more awkward" that emphasize embarrassment?

If you want to emphasize embarrassment, try using phrases like "turns progressively embarrassing" or "becomes increasingly humiliating".

Is there a difference between "gets more awkward" and "becomes more awkward"?

The phrases "gets more awkward" and "becomes more awkward" are largely interchangeable and carry the same meaning. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the rhythm of the sentence.

Can "gets more awkward" be used in professional writing?

While "gets more awkward" is acceptable, professional writing often benefits from more nuanced vocabulary. Alternatives like "develops into a more strained atmosphere" or "evolves into a more delicate situation" may be more suitable.