quite awkward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite awkward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or interaction that feels uncomfortable or lacking in grace. Example: "The silence that followed his comment was quite awkward, leaving everyone unsure of how to respond."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"I felt quite awkward," she added.

The New York Times

It felt quite awkward and weird".

Independent

However, the growing amount of available climate model and observation data makes this procedure quite awkward.

Computers & Geosciences

The shape of the synthesized signal is in general quite awkward, in both the time and the frequency domain.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

I've tried keeping one eye shut so I don't see it but that's quite awkward.

The Guardian - Music

It made him feel quite awkward that people might think he had written it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

According to the parents, the child was quite clumsy and awkward.

Acta Neuropathologica

"It can be quite intrusive, awkward at best".

The New York Times - Sports

Furthermore, he can be quite an awkward speaker, trying a bit too hard to appear earnest.

The New York Times

Quite an awkward charade, you'd think, what with the medical records.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He adopts their mannerisms like a kid clomping around in ancestors' shoes, and seems quite as awkward doing so.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite awkward" to describe situations where there's a mix of discomfort, unease, and a potential lack of social grace. It's effective in both formal and informal writing.

Common error

While "quite awkward" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise terms like "incongruous", "problematic", or "delicate" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite awkward" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the quality of something (a situation, feeling, interaction) as being uncomfortable or lacking in social grace. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "quite awkward" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe situations or feelings that are uncomfortable or lacking in social grace. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news and media, science, and wiki contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, avoid overuse in highly formal settings and consider more precise synonyms to convey specific nuances. Remember to describe the discomfort and a lack of social grace to use it accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinctly uncomfortable

Similar to "quite awkward" but may indicate a stronger sense of unease.

slightly uncomfortable

Indicates a milder degree of discomfort compared to "quite awkward".

pretty uneasy

Emphasizes the feeling of anxiety or apprehension.

somewhat clumsy

Focuses more on a lack of grace or skill in a situation, rather than general discomfort.

a bit unsettling

Suggests a disturbance of one's peace of mind.

rather embarrassing

Highlights the potential for shame or humiliation in the situation.

noticeably tense

Highlights the presence of strain or anxiety in the atmosphere.

fairly inappropriate

Shifts the focus to a violation of social norms or expectations.

moderately difficult

Indicates challenges to carry out the action instead of feeling unease.

decidedly strange

Emphasizes the odd or peculiar nature of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "quite awkward" in a sentence?

You can use "quite awkward" to describe a situation, feeling, or interaction that is uncomfortable or lacks social grace. For example, "The silence after his joke was "quite awkward"."

What are some alternatives to "quite awkward"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "slightly uncomfortable", "somewhat clumsy", or "distinctly uncomfortable".

Is "quite awkward" formal or informal?

The phrase "quite awkward" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it might be more suited to neutral or informal settings. In very formal writing, consider more precise synonyms.

What makes a situation "quite awkward"?

A situation becomes "quite awkward" when there's a sense of unease, discomfort, or a potential social misstep. It often involves a break in expected social norms or an uncomfortable silence.