that seems awkward

USAGE SUMMARY

"that seems awkward" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to express that something does not seem right or appropriate. For example: "The way she was speaking, that seems awkward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Some of that seems awkward now, and certainly dated.

The Guardian - Books

Inconsistent setting or a set that seems awkward or uncertain is more likely to draw negative attention from the referee.[25].

WikiHow

Neither woman in real life has indicated that they were ever lovers, nor does the musical, although they are given a second-act love duet, "Unexpectedly You," that seems awkward in its platonic moorings.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

That navigation system features back-of-the-steering-wheel controls that seem awkward at first but prove useful; you can use them without taking your hands off the wheel.

The New York Times

Sometimes scenes that seem awkward to you are actually the best ones and sometimes your reader will catch small errors you missed.

WikiHow

There was also something about him that seemed awkward and out of synch.

The New Yorker

That "Natural-born" seems awkward; obviously it is there to distinguish between what the Bible colorfully called "the fruit of one's loins" and an adopted child.

The New York Times - Magazine

If the last name seems awkward to say that way, sidestep the issue by saying "the Williams family" and "the Williams family's dog".

WikiHow

Anywhere else, that might seem awkward, but it doesn't seem like a big deal.

Huffington Post

She sometimes seems awkward in live debate, but that may also be part of her appeal as an "ordinary person".

BBC

It seems awkward.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that seems awkward" to express a subjective observation or opinion about a situation or action, rather than a statement of objective fact.

Common error

While acceptable in general writing, relying too heavily on "that seems awkward" can weaken formal prose. Opt for more precise and sophisticated language that clearly articulates the specific issue, such as "that is inappropriate" or "that is unconventional".

Linguistic Context

That seems awkward functions as a subjective assessment, expressing an opinion or feeling about something. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. It's commonly used to describe situations, actions, or behaviors perceived as uncomfortable or out of place.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that seems awkward" is a common phrase used to express a subjective feeling that something is uncomfortable, inappropriate, or out of place. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and can be used in written English. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, more precise alternatives may be preferable in formal or professional settings. The phrase sees frequent use in news and media, as well as on wikis. Related phrases include "that feels uncomfortable" and "that appears clumsy".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that feels uncomfortable

Focuses on the feeling of unease associated with the situation.

that feels inappropriate

Emphasizes the lack of suitability or correctness in the context.

that appears clumsy

Highlights the lack of finesse or grace in the action or situation.

that seems out of place

Indicates a sense of disharmony or misalignment with the surroundings.

that comes across strange

Focuses on the perception of oddness or bizarreness.

that strikes me as odd

Highlights the speaker's personal perception of strangeness.

that presents itself awkwardly

Emphasizes how the situation or action appears to others.

that is rather ungainly

Emphasizes the lack of physical or social grace.

that looks a bit forced

Suggests the action or situation lacks spontaneity and feels artificial.

that's quite unnatural

Implies a deviation from what is considered normal or expected.

FAQs

What does "that seems awkward" mean?

The phrase "that seems awkward" means something appears uncomfortable, inappropriate, or out of place. It conveys a sense that something is not quite right or fitting.

What can I say instead of "that seems awkward"?

You can use alternatives like "that feels uncomfortable", "that appears clumsy", or "that feels inappropriate" depending on the specific context.

How to use "that seems awkward" in a sentence?

You can use "that seems awkward" to express your subjective feeling about a situation. For example, "His reaction to the news, that seems awkward, made me suspicious."

Is "that seems awkward" formal or informal?

"That seems awkward" is generally considered neutral in formality. It's suitable for everyday conversation and writing, but more formal alternatives might be preferred in professional or academic contexts.