somewhat awkward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat awkward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, interaction, or expression that feels uncomfortable or clumsy to some degree. Example: "The conversation took a somewhat awkward turn when he brought up the topic of politics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The effect, though, was somewhat awkward.

The New Yorker

I was very shy and somewhat awkward.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm speaking from a somewhat awkward position.

The New York Times

SERVICE: Eager to please but somewhat awkward.

The New York Times - Food

The visit proved strange & somewhat awkward.

The New Yorker

There was a somewhat awkward undertone to Tuesday's proceedings, however.

The New York Times - Sports

He refused for so long that things became somewhat awkward.

The New York Times - Style

For the first time, Rybolovlev was proving a somewhat awkward client.

The New Yorker

Frequent, somewhat awkward attempts to work music into the mix don't help.

The New York Times

CONS: As a combination unit, the space has a somewhat awkward layout.

The New York Times

From that somewhat awkward beginning, the two became friends and discovered they shared cultural reference points.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat awkward" to describe situations or interactions that are not overtly uncomfortable but have a noticeable lack of ease or grace. It's ideal for conveying a subtle sense of unease without being overly dramatic.

Common error

While "somewhat awkward" is acceptable, overuse in formal documents can make your writing seem less polished. Consider stronger, more precise alternatives like "challenging", "delicate", or "problematic" depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat awkward" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a moderate degree of unease, clumsiness, or social discomfort. It adds nuance to the description, suggesting the situation isn't extremely uncomfortable but noticeably so. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat awkward" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase to describe situations, interactions, or characteristics possessing a moderate level of discomfort or clumsiness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile enough for various contexts. While it appears most often in news and media, consider stronger alternatives in formal writing to avoid overuse. Remember to employ it when you want to convey a subtle sense of unease without resorting to stronger, more dramatic language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit clumsy

Replaces "awkward" with "clumsy" and "somewhat" with "a bit", softening the tone slightly.

slightly uncomfortable

Focuses on the feeling of discomfort rather than clumsiness, making it suitable for situations involving social unease.

kind of uncomfortable

Uses more informal language to express a similar feeling of unease.

rather uneasy

Emphasizes the feeling of being unsettled or anxious, differing from the clumsiness aspect.

pretty clumsy

More direct and casual than "somewhat awkward", focusing on a lack of physical or social grace.

mildly embarrassing

Highlights the potential for causing slight shame or humiliation.

a little forced

Suggests that something lacks naturalness or spontaneity.

somewhat strained

Implies tension or lack of ease in a situation or relationship.

slightly out of place

Indicates a lack of harmony or belonging.

a touch ungainly

Replaces the focus on social awkwardness with physical clumsiness or lack of grace.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat awkward" to describe a situation, interaction, or even a physical attribute. For example, "The silence after his joke was somewhat awkward" or "His stance was "a little clumsy" and "somewhat awkward"".

What's a less formal way to say "somewhat awkward"?

In less formal contexts, you could use phrases like "a bit clumsy", "kind of weird", or "slightly off" to convey a similar meaning.

Which is correct, "somewhat awkward" or "a little awkward"?

Both "somewhat awkward" and "a little awkward" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice depends on the desired tone and nuance. "Somewhat awkward" might sound slightly more formal than "a little awkward".

What's the difference between "somewhat awkward" and "completely awkward"?

"Somewhat awkward" implies a mild degree of discomfort or clumsiness, while "completely awkward" indicates a situation is entirely uncomfortable or embarrassing. The intensity of the awkwardness is significantly different.