less awkward than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less awkward than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing the level of awkwardness between two situations or actions. Example: "I found speaking in front of a small group to be less awkward than addressing a large audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Books

Other gamers have echoed that sentiment, saying that typing their feelings or flirtations is less awkward than saying them aloud.

The New York Times

There is little for a conductor to do but provide support for the pianist and make Chopin's orchestral writing seem less awkward than it is.

The New York Times - Arts

In fact, we had a good-spirited conversation about the review and play that was far less awkward than you would expect.

The New York Times

9.41am BST The body language at today's meeting between Kerry and Barzani looked a lot less awkward than Kerry's meeting 24 hours ago with Nouri al-Maliki.

The Guardian

A woman who is 300 years old (as in Janácek's The Makropoulos Case) still appears less awkward than someone singing "Where did I put my keys?".

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Office workers have captured business meetings with less production quality, but also less awkward formality, than an official videographer.

The New York Times - Tech

Dhar says "YC worked so hard to make sure all the investors were at Demo Day, and helped us connect with them in a fundraising environment" — a much less awkward experience than startups and investors cold-emailing each other.

TechCrunch

(Even the once-complicated TeleAid combination navigation, audio and cell phone LCD display in the center column is less awkward to use than in earlier incarnations).

Forbes

Friends of friends are less awkward to proposition than people you already know, yet the mutual connections provide a layer of trust that could convince people they won't get axe-murdered on date set up through Down.

TechCrunch

I'm learning that walking on eggshells isn't any less awkward for me than speaking up.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less awkward than" to compare situations where social discomfort or unease is a key factor. For example, "Communicating via email can be less awkward than face-to-face confrontations when delivering bad news."

Common error

Avoid using "less awkward than" when comparing purely functional aspects without a social element. It's more fitting for social situations, not technical comparisons. For example, instead of saying 'Using this tool is less awkward than the old one' (unless the awkwardness refers to a social aspect of using the tool), opt for 'easier' or 'more efficient'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less awkward than" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to compare the degree of awkwardness between two subjects, situations, or actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is generally considered grammatically sound and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less awkward than" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to compare the relative social discomfort of two things. Ludwig AI analysis and examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian shows that this comparative phrase is most frequently found in News & Media. Use it effectively by keeping the context in mind and choosing appropriate alternatives like ""more comfortable than"" or "not as uncomfortable as" to suit the formality level. Avoid misusing it when social dynamics aren't the primary focus of comparison. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately use "less awkward than" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more comfortable than

This alternative focuses on the positive aspect of comfort instead of the negative aspect of awkwardness.

more relaxed compared to

Similar to 'more comfortable than', it directly addresses the relaxed state instead of awkwardness.

not as uncomfortable as

This phrase uses a double negative to convey a similar meaning, emphasizing the reduction of discomfort.

more natural than

This suggests a smoother, more relaxed experience, implying the absence of awkwardness.

easier to handle than

This alternative highlights the manageability of a situation, indicating reduced difficulty and potential awkwardness.

not so clumsy as

Replaces 'awkward' with 'clumsy', focusing on the lack of grace or smoothness.

less strained than

This implies a reduction in tension and artificiality, suggesting a more relaxed and genuine interaction.

flows better than

Implies that the compared item has a better progression and reduced social friction.

more seamless than

Highlights the smoothness and lack of disruption in the compared item.

not as forced as

Indicates that the situation feels more authentic and less artificial.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "less awkward than" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "more preferable to", "more appropriate than", or "more suitable than" to maintain a professional tone while conveying a similar comparative meaning. For example, using email is "more preferable to" calling.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less awkward than me"?

While commonly used, "less awkward than me" is technically incorrect. The grammatically precise form is "less awkward than I am". However, in informal speech, "less awkward than me" is widely accepted.

What are some situations where using "less awkward than" is particularly effective?

The phrase is effective when describing social interactions, presentations, or any scenario where social discomfort or unease is a primary concern. For instance, "A small gathering is often "less awkward than" a large party".

What's the difference between "less awkward than" and "more comfortable than"?

"Less awkward than" focuses on the reduction of unease or social discomfort, while "more comfortable than" emphasizes a positive feeling of ease and relaxation. While related, the former addresses a negative aspect, and the latter focuses on a positive state. Being "more comfortable than" someone is not always associated with being less awkward.