When can sentence phrasing be described as "awkward"? [closed]

I talk about "awkward" in context of words, phrases etc. I understand that "awkward" means that something is grammatically correct but unnatural and can't be used. It's ok:

I like apples.

And is the next sentence "awkward"? Or may be are there some other suitable adjectives to describe it?

I like an apple.

Solution 1:

In this context, I would say "awkward" means that your sentence is grammatically correct but not idiomatic. It is not wrong but it is not what a native speaker would say in this situation.

In the case of the two sentences you have given, there is a difference in meaning. "I like apples." = You like this fruit. You like eating them; maybe you like their appearance. A general statement. "I like an apple." This requires a context. You might say this in answer to someone or in the course of a conversation about which fruit you like to take in your packed lunch.
The difference is slight, but obvious to a native speaker.

I hope that helps.