But even this was read by some as an awkward effort by Ms. Reno to distance herself from the decision.

Harine was unpracticed at smiling, but the awkward effort held warmth.

But that says more about film festivals than it does about this halting, awkward effort.

It was an awkward effort at best.

She even describes her awkward effort to write a novel about the rock world.

The teenager's awkward efforts end with him being suffocated by the very objects of his desire.

The Turk and Chinese also are making awkward efforts to be English.

There are many advocates of the revisionist view that applauds the awkward but impressive efforts at cooperation across the color line.

In an awkward effort to maintain a conversational tone Zorn asked: "How far did you get toward your degree?"

"It is a great pleasure to have you join us here this day," he said in an awkward effort to affect a tone of human geniality.