it was really awkward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was really awkward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that felt uncomfortable or embarrassing. Example: "During the meeting, when no one knew how to respond to the unexpected question, it was really awkward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It was really awkward," Arroyo recalled.

The Washington Post

"It was really awkward at the beginning.

The New York Times

"When we got home, it was really awkward.

The New York Times

"It was really awkward for people who loved art," she said of the old cafe.

The New York Times - Arts

It was really awkward talking to a face that I knew well, but not knowing their name.

The Guardian

In those moments when it was really awkward, I kept thinking I've worked really hard to accomplish these results, and that helped me to relax".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

He was really cool and I was really awkward, and he was my hero instantly.

Huffington Post

So it's really awkward when reporters ask me questions about Lamar.

Independent

The idea is that two people meet and it's really awkward but they fall in love and they find this special house that's just for them.

The New York Times

"It's really awkward to find the right sort of player.

BBC

Sometimes it's really awkward, but then I remember that I tweeted it in the first place, so it's fair game.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was really awkward," consider adding details that clarify the source and nature of the awkwardness, offering readers a richer understanding of the context.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "it was really awkward" as a default description for uncomfortable situations. Explore alternative adjectives and descriptive language to provide a more nuanced account of the experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was really awkward" functions as a descriptive statement, typically used to characterize a past event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms this, showcasing examples where the phrase effectively conveys discomfort or embarrassment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was really awkward" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe uncomfortable or embarrassing situations. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While it's suitable for various contexts, from news reports to casual conversation, varying your descriptive language can provide a more nuanced account of the experience. Consider alternatives like "it was truly uncomfortable" or "the situation was very tense" to enhance clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was truly uncomfortable

Replaces "really awkward" with a more direct synonym, focusing on the feeling of unease.

the situation was very tense

Shifts the focus from awkwardness to the tension created in the situation.

it was an embarrassing situation

Highlights the element of embarrassment rather than general discomfort.

it felt incredibly forced

Emphasizes the artificial or unnatural feeling of the situation.

the atmosphere was strained

Focuses on the overall atmosphere and feeling of difficulty.

it was a delicate moment

Highlights the need for careful handling and potential for problems.

things got a bit sticky

Informal way of saying things became complicated and uncomfortable.

the tension was palpable

Describes a tension so strong it could almost be physically felt.

it was all a bit much

Expresses a feeling of being overwhelmed or uncomfortable with the situation.

the mood was uneasy

Highlights the feeling of nervousness and lack of comfort in the setting.

FAQs

What does "it was really awkward" mean?

The phrase "it was really awkward" describes a situation that was uncomfortable, embarrassing, or difficult to navigate socially. It suggests a lack of ease or grace in the interaction.

What can I say instead of "it was really awkward"?

You can use alternatives like "it was truly uncomfortable", "the situation was very tense", or "it was an embarrassing situation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was really awkward" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was really awkward" is grammatically correct and follows standard English sentence structure. It uses the pronoun "it", the past tense of the verb "to be" (was), the adverb "really", and the adjective "awkward".

How to use "it was really awkward" in a sentence?

Use "it was really awkward" to describe a past event that created a sense of social discomfort or unease. For example, "When I accidentally called my teacher 'Mom,' it was really awkward."