kind of awkward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of awkward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to describe a situation or feeling as being a bit uncomfortable and inconvenient. For example: "The conversation got kind of awkward when we started talking about his divorce."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That is kind of awkward".

The New York Times

"It was kind of awkward," Suzuki said.

The New York Times

Conversations can get kind of awkward.

The New York Times

And then if you screw up, it's kind of awkward.

The New York Times

It's kind of awkward to see this happening here.

The New York Times

"I was very skinny and kind of awkward.

The New York Times

These are the kind of awkward openers we're working with.

The Guardian - Film

"It's kind of awkward that I haven't played them," Ginobili said.

The New York Times - Sports

That's great for business, but it can get kind of awkward.

The New York Times

It just seemed kind of awkward since, you know, it's our honeymoon.

The New Yorker

Kate Humble used to be harder to remind about that kind of awkward fact.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kind of awkward" to describe situations that are not severely uncomfortable but still cause a degree of unease. It softens the impact compared to stronger terms.

Common error

Avoid using "kind of awkward" excessively in your writing. While it's a common expression, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Opt for more specific descriptors when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of awkward" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe its quality. It serves to qualify or soften the description of a situation or feeling as being somewhat uncomfortable or uneasy, but not intensely so. Ludwig confirms that it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Lifestyle

7%

Sports

7%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kind of awkward" is a versatile expression used to describe situations that are mildly uncomfortable or uneasy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. The phrase functions as an adjectival phrase, softening the intensity of the description. While it is frequently used in news and media, it's important to avoid overuse and opt for more specific descriptors when appropriate. Related phrases, such as "slightly uncomfortable" or "a bit uneasy", can offer alternative ways to express similar sentiments. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, you can effectively communicate the appropriate level of discomfort in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly awkward

Uses a different adverb to modify "awkward", offering a simple synonym.

pretty uncomfortable

Simply intensifies the degree of discomfort.

slightly uncomfortable

Focuses more on the feeling of unease rather than the situation's nature.

a bit uneasy

Highlights a lack of comfort or security in the situation.

somewhat embarrassing

Emphasizes the potential for shame or humiliation.

a touch embarrassing

Similar to "somewhat embarrassing" but suggests a lighter degree of shame.

a little strange

Indicates something is unusual or out of the ordinary, contributing to the awkwardness.

slightly inappropriate

Highlights the deviation from what's considered suitable or proper.

rather peculiar

Suggests a higher degree of oddness or eccentricity.

mildly disconcerting

Focuses on the disturbance or unsettlement caused by the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "kind of awkward" in a sentence?

You can use "kind of awkward" to describe a situation or feeling that is slightly uncomfortable or uneasy. For example, "It was "kind of awkward" when I ran into my ex at the party".

What are some alternatives to "kind of awkward"?

Alternatives to "kind of awkward" include "slightly uncomfortable", "a bit uneasy", or "somewhat embarrassing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "kind of awkward" formal or informal?

"Kind of awkward" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, you might choose a phrase like "slightly uncomfortable" or a more precise descriptor of the situation.

What makes a situation "kind of awkward"?

A situation might be "kind of awkward" if it involves a minor social faux pas, an unexpected encounter, or a situation where there's a slight lack of ease or comfort among the people involved. It suggests a lower intensity compared to a "very awkward" situation.