sort of awkward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sort of awkward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or feeling that is somewhat uncomfortable or lacking in ease. Example: "The conversation took a turn that felt sort of awkward, leaving everyone unsure of what to say next."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

"That moment was very encouraging for me," says Theroux, who comes across exactly the same in the flesh as on TV: sort of awkward, but so at ease with his own awkwardness that he is probably the most relaxed person in the room.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I have big, sort of awkward hands.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is the sort of awkward idea most writers would not admit to having even considered.

The New York Times - Books

This sort of awkward repetition is surprisingly common — sometimes, perhaps, the result of incomplete editing or rewriting.

The New York Times

For a while, we were plunged into the sort of awkward silence that often accompanies moments of great emotion.

The New Yorker

"I can imagine it being sort of awkward to discuss how much money you won," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

That has led to all sorts of awkward practical issues, said Jon Benjamin, chief executive of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, because Orthodox Judaism forbids writing or using a computer on the Sabbath.

The New York Times

To "suffer" from liberal guilt means that you are somewhat uneasy about all sorts of awkward things that it is tempting to harden your heart against, like global injustice, global warming, racism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Newcastle, supposedly anxious to atone for their 3-0 defeat by Paolo Di Canio's side at St James' Park in April, underachieved and Mike Ashley, their owner, is likely to be asking his manager all sorts of awkward questions.

The Guardian - Sport

Williams had never developed a loyal fan base, despite a series of dominant wins, and despite his odd, mesmerizing style, which required him to throw lots of punches from all sorts of awkward angles, and to take his fair share of punches, too.

The New Yorker

Play it badly, and the athlete contorts into all sorts of awkward positions.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sort of awkward" to describe situations, feelings, or interactions that are mildly uncomfortable without being severely problematic. It's ideal for everyday conversations and informal writing when you want to downplay the intensity of the awkwardness.

Common error

Avoid using "sort of awkward" in formal or professional writing, as it can sound too casual and undermine your authority. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "slightly uncomfortable" or "somewhat challenging" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sort of awkward" functions as an adverbial modifier intensifying the adjective "awkward". It softens the impact of the adjective, indicating a milder degree of the described quality. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase commonly describes situations, feelings, or interactions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sort of awkward" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express a mild degree of discomfort or unease. As noted by Ludwig, it is best suited for informal contexts, such as everyday conversations and personal writing. When writing in a formal or professional setting, consider using more precise alternatives like "slightly uncomfortable" or "somewhat clumsy" to maintain a polished and authoritative tone. Ludwig's examples highlight its versatility in describing various situations, feelings, and interactions where a gentle understatement of awkwardness is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly uncomfortable

Focuses on the feeling of unease or discomfort.

a bit uneasy

Highlights a mild level of anxiety or apprehension.

somewhat clumsy

Emphasizes physical or social gracelessness.

reasonably uncomfortable

Indicates a more measured level of unease or discomfort.

kind of strange

Suggests something is peculiar or unusual, leading to awkwardness.

a little forced

Indicates a lack of naturalness or spontaneity.

rather ungainly

Implies a lack of physical coordination or social grace.

mildly disconcerting

Emphasizes a feeling of disturbance or unsettlement.

pretty embarrassing

Highlights the potential for shame or humiliation.

slightly inappropriate

Suggests a minor violation of social norms or expectations.

FAQs

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

You can use "sort of awkward" to describe a situation, feeling, or interaction that is mildly uncomfortable. For example, "The silence after his joke was "sort of awkward"" or "I felt "sort of awkward" when I realized I'd worn the same outfit as her."

What are some alternatives to "sort of awkward"?

Some alternatives to "sort of awkward" include "slightly uncomfortable", "somewhat clumsy", or "a bit uneasy". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "sort of awkward" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "sort of awkward" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use more precise and professional alternatives like "slightly uncomfortable" or "somewhat challenging".

What's the difference between "sort of awkward" and "very awkward"?

"Sort of awkward" implies a mild level of discomfort or unease, while "very awkward" indicates a much stronger and more pronounced feeling of discomfort or embarrassment. The choice depends on the intensity of the situation you're describing.