it is awkward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is awkward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or interaction that feels uncomfortable or clumsy. Example: "During the meeting, there was a long pause after the question was asked, and it is awkward for everyone involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is awkward.

The New York Times

It is awkward sometimes.

The New Yorker

It is awkward comedy.

The New York Times - Books

It is awkward business, this commemoration.

The New Yorker

It is awkward, to say the least.

The New Yorker

It is awkward, especially with people you know so long.

The New York Times

"By current standards of science writing, it is awkward stuff".

The Guardian

It is awkward stepping onto the other side of the line of placards.

The Economist

"It is awkward when a foreigner only offers once," she says.

The New York Times

But it is awkward when that outrage is scrawled all over a show's Facebook page.

The New York Times

It is awkward to hold foreigners to higher standards than you impose on yourself.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is awkward" to describe situations that cause discomfort or are socially clumsy. Ensure that the context clearly explains why the situation is awkward to enhance understanding.

Common error

While "it is awkward" is a valid expression, avoid overuse. Vary your language by using alternatives like "it is uncomfortable" or "it is strained" to maintain reader engagement and convey subtle differences in meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is awkward" functions as a subject complement, describing the state or quality of a situation or interaction. As confirmed by Ludwig, it accurately conveys feelings of discomfort or social clumsiness. The examples showcase its descriptive function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is awkward" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe situations that are uncomfortable, clumsy, or socially challenging. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to express subjective feelings in various contexts, primarily in news and media. While it is appropriate in most settings, consider using synonyms like "it is uncomfortable" or "it is delicate" to avoid overuse and to fine-tune the intended meaning. Remember to provide context to enhance understanding of why a situation is "awkward".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is uncomfortable

Focuses more on the feeling of unease or discomfort caused by a situation.

it is clumsy

Emphasizes the lack of grace or skill in handling a situation.

it is inconvenient

Highlights the troublesome or bothersome nature of a situation.

it is delicate

Suggests that a situation requires careful handling to avoid problems.

it is thorny

Implies that a situation is full of difficulties and complexities.

it is embarrassing

Focuses on the feeling of shame or humiliation.

it is tricky

Implies a situation that requires careful navigation.

it is difficult

Highlights the challenge or effort required to manage a situation.

it is strained

Implies tension and a lack of naturalness in a situation or relationship.

it is sensitive

Suggests that the situation could easily be disrupted or cause offense.

FAQs

How can I use "it is awkward" in a sentence?

You can use "it is awkward" to describe a situation that causes discomfort or social clumsiness. For example, "It is awkward when you run into someone you know but can't remember their name."

What can I say instead of "it is awkward"?

You can use alternatives like "it is uncomfortable", "it is clumsy", or "it is delicate" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it is awkward" or "it was awkward"?

"It is awkward" is used for present situations, while "it was awkward" is used for past situations. For example, "It is awkward now" versus "It was awkward yesterday".

What's the difference between "it is awkward" and "it is embarrassing"?

"It is awkward" generally describes a situation that is socially clumsy or uncomfortable, while "it is embarrassing" describes a situation that causes feelings of shame or humiliation. An awkward silence might not be embarrassing, but a public faux pas usually is.