a natural tension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a natural tension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an inherent or instinctive conflict or balance between two opposing forces or ideas. Example: "In the story, there is a natural tension between the protagonist's desire for freedom and their responsibilities to their family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

There's a natural tension there.

The New York Times

"That's a natural tension.

The New York Times - Science

There is a natural tension between them.

The New York Times

There is a natural tension that to a certain extent is healthy".

The New York Times

There is a natural tension between the needs of veterans and those of new players".

The Guardian - Tech

A natural tension exists between any Administration and the central bank.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

There is a real natural tension between people seeing the value of sharing more stuff but wanting control over what they share".

The Guardian

To some extent, what is at work is the natural tension between a governor and a legislative leader of his own party.

The New York Times

Could you show a little more solidarity, perhaps by running yourself under the cold tap before you do a broadcast?" As the news week wore on, we saw an increase in the natural tension between the twin narratives that always need to be spun at times like these – of Great British pluck and Great British moaning.

Vice

It doesn't try to resolve the natural tension between a distant, high-achieving father and his resentful offspring, when there is no quick solution.

The New York Times

Although Governor Pataki and Mayor Bloomberg are said to enjoy a cordial, even friendly, relationship, the natural tension between their respective governments has been heightened by their respective fiscal crises.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a natural tension", ensure the context clearly identifies the opposing forces or ideas creating the tension. This provides clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the intensity of "a natural tension". Describing it as a minor disagreement prevents misinterpretations and maintains credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a natural tension" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies and labels an inherent conflict or opposition, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a natural tension" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe inherent conflicts or balances. According to Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase and serves to describe and acknowledge opposing forces. Appearing most often in news and media, the phrase's register remains neutral, making it suitable for various contexts. Be mindful of clearly identifying the opposing forces and avoiding exaggeration. Common alternatives include "inherent conflict" and "built-in opposition".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

natural opposition

Highlights the opposing nature of the elements involved, simpler and more direct.

inherent conflict

Focuses on the conflict being a built-in characteristic.

built-in opposition

Highlights the opposing nature of the elements involved.

intrinsic friction

Emphasizes the underlying discord or resistance.

underlying antagonism

Suggests a deeper, perhaps less obvious, state of opposition.

inevitable clash

Focuses on the unavoidable nature of the conflict.

inherent imbalance

Highlights a lack of equilibrium as the core issue.

intrinsic contradiction

Emphasizes the presence of opposing elements within a single entity.

fundamental disparity

Highlights the difference in nature or quality between two things.

basic divergence

Focuses on the point at which two things start to move in different directions.

FAQs

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

Use "a natural tension" to describe an inherent conflict or balance between two opposing forces or ideas. For example, "There is "a natural tension" between freedom and responsibility".

What are some alternatives to "a natural tension"?

You can use alternatives like "inherent conflict", "built-in opposition", or "intrinsic friction" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a natural tension" in formal writing?

Yes, "a natural tension" is suitable for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and widely used in reputable sources.

What's the difference between "a natural tension" and "an artificial tension"?

"A natural tension" refers to an inherent or organic conflict, while "an artificial tension" describes a conflict that is created or contrived.