less awkward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less awkward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two situations, behaviors, or expressions to indicate that one is not as uncomfortable or clumsy as the other. Example: "After practicing his speech several times, he felt much less awkward delivering it in front of the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Makes introductions less awkward, I think.

The New Yorker

Those figures must make their pitch meetings less awkward.

The Guardian - Film

A less awkward title would be nice, too.

The New York Times

And so I know more people and that makes it a lot less awkward".

The New York Times

Yet "Autobiography of Us" is more artful and less awkward than it first seems.

The New York Times - Books

Our phone calls had never become less awkward, only less frequent.

The New York Times

It is factual and correctly punctuated, yes, but it is no less awkward.

The New Yorker

Less awkward, the boy said, but wouldn't it be great to put on clean white underpants?

The New Yorker

Two recent developments could make these conversations less awkward, or even render them moot.

The New York Times

Still, users say social media can make initial business meetings less awkward.

The New York Times

At Scope we want to people to understand disability better and feel less awkward.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing social situations, consider "less awkward" to indicate improvements in comfort and ease.

Common error

In formal writing, prioritize alternatives like "more refined" or "more appropriate" to maintain a professional tone. While "less awkward" is understandable, it can sometimes sound too casual or informal for certain contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less awkward" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or situation, indicating a lower degree of awkwardness compared to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct usage, reflected in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less awkward" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a situation that has improved in terms of social comfort or ease. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is as a comparative adjective phrase, indicating a reduction in the degree of awkwardness. While it's most frequently used in news and media contexts, aiming for a neutral register, alternative phrases like "more comfortable" or "smoother" might be more suitable for formal writing. When aiming to make social interactions or descriptions "less awkward", focus on fostering ease, building rapport, and finding common ground. While it is used very often, remember to use more suitable alternatives depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less uncomfortable

Direct synonym, simply negating discomfort.

more comfortable

Emphasizes ease and relaxation, shifting the focus from avoiding awkwardness to promoting comfort.

less strained

Indicates a reduction in tension or artificiality.

smoother

Highlights a seamless or more graceful interaction or process.

more relaxed

Highlights a calmer, more casual atmosphere or demeanor.

more natural

Suggests an action or interaction feels authentic and unforced.

more seamless

Emphasizes the effortless quality of an interaction or process.

more at ease

Focuses on a state of relaxation and lack of anxiety.

more fluid

Describes a situation that flows easily and without interruption.

more agreeable

Highlights the pleasant or harmonious nature of an interaction.

FAQs

What does "less awkward" mean?

The phrase "less awkward" means something is not as uncomfortable, clumsy, or socially inappropriate as it could be. It implies a comparison to a previous state or another situation that is more awkward.

What can I say instead of "less awkward"?

You can use alternatives like "more comfortable", "more natural", or "smoother" depending on the specific context.

How can I make a situation "less awkward"?

To make a situation "less awkward", try employing humor, finding common ground with others, and actively listening. Being mindful of social cues and showing genuine interest can also help ease tension.

Is it correct to say "less awkward"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to say "less awkward". It is a standard comparative construction indicating a reduction in awkwardness.