a growing tension

USAGE SUMMARY

"a growing tension" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which the tension or stress is increasing. For example: "As the deadline for completing the project approached, a growing tension was palpable in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Alarmingly, in addition to the differences between editors and managers, there is also a sharp rift among editors of the same social group—a growing tension between senior editors and junior editors.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

If an uneventful week passes, you can feel a growing tension in the streets & everybody starts to be more cautious.

The New Yorker

Narrated by a bunny child, the story builds slowly but with a growing tension, reinforced by the rough, grainy illustrations.

The New York Times - Books

There were more Muslims on the campus and a growing tension between them and the National Front.

The Guardian - Books

The dueling objectives have exposed a growing tension: between justice and peace, that is, between the prosecution of war criminals and the compromises of diplomacy.

The New York Times

Those demonstrations reflected a growing tension in Western Europe as governments reassess the affordability of their pension systems and citizens chafe against the prospect of diminished entitlements.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Plans to oppose the convention are multiplying, suffusing activists with a giddy, growing tension.

The Guardian

In a day of growing tension between demonstrators and police, a group of protesters briefly seized the energy ministry's headquarters as President Viktor Yanukovych held increasingly desperate talks with opposition leaders.

Independent

The Thursday announcement of the detentions — which were actually made weeks ago — comes in the wake of a spate of terror attacks and a climate of growing tension.

Vice

Rumours that he will call an early election may be unfounded but are a sign of growing tension.

The Economist

That issue has been a source of growing tension between the countries.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a growing tension" to describe situations where conflict or stress is noticeably increasing over time, creating anticipation or concern.

Common error

Avoid using "a growing tension" to describe a constant, unchanging state of stress. This phrase is most effective when highlighting a development or escalation of unease.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a growing tension" functions as a noun phrase, with "growing" acting as a present participle adjective modifying the noun "tension". It describes a state of increasing stress or strain. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a growing tension" effectively describes an escalating state of stress or conflict and is grammatically correct. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is widely used in news, science, and formal contexts. While versatile, it is most appropriate for situations where stress is actively increasing, as opposed to remaining static. Alternative phrases like "increasing strain" or "rising conflict" can be used to tailor the description to specific situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasing strain

Replaces "tension" with "strain" to denote pressure or stress.

rising conflict

Substitutes "tension" with "conflict", emphasizing the potential for open disagreement.

mounting pressure

Focuses on the increasing weight or burden causing the tension.

escalating unease

Highlights the growing feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

intensifying friction

Replaces "tension" with "friction" indicating a clash or resistance.

building discord

Emphasizes the increasing lack of harmony or agreement.

worsening relations

Focuses on the deterioration of connections between parties.

developing animosity

Highlights the growth of strong dislike or hostility.

emerging divide

Emphasizes the creation and expansion of a separation or difference.

inflaming situation

Focuses on the worsening of an existing situation due to increased stress.

FAQs

How can I use "a growing tension" in a sentence?

Use "a growing tension" to describe an increase in stress, conflict, or unease. For example: "There is "a growing tension" between the two departments as the merger approaches."

What are some alternatives to "a growing tension"?

You can use alternatives like "increasing strain", "rising conflict", or "mounting pressure" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the tension is growing"?

Yes, "the tension is growing" is grammatically correct and conveys the same meaning as ""a growing tension"". Both phrases indicate an increase in stress or conflict.

What's the difference between ""a growing tension"" and "a high tension"?

"A growing tension" implies an increase over time, while "a high tension" describes a state of intense stress, regardless of whether it is increasing.