a source of tension

USAGE SUMMARY

"a source of tension" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in several situations to describe the cause or origin of a feeling of strain, unease, or disagreement. Example: "The lack of communication between the two countries was a source of tension between them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such projects are a source of tension.

The New York Times

A source of tension in society evaporates!

The Guardian - Opinion

Gainsbourg's Jewish identity is a source of tension.

The Guardian - Film

"It was a source of tension for a while".

The New Yorker

"And that my blackness was a source of tension".

The New Yorker

This too is a source of tension in the town.

The Guardian

Selecting tunes can sometimes become a source of tension.

The Washington Post

The financial swings in his childhood were clearly a source of tension.

The New York Times

However, no-platforming has been a source of tension over recent months.

The Guardian

Language policy has long been a source of tension in Quebec.

The Guardian

It's often been a source of tension and debate within the city".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a source of tension", ensure the context clearly identifies what is experiencing the tension. For example, specify if it's "a source of tension between two countries" or "within a team".

Common error

Avoid using "a source of tension" without specifying why something is tense. Saying 'the project was a source of tension' is less effective than saying 'the project's tight deadline was a source of tension'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a source of tension" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies what is creating a feeling of strain, unease, or conflict. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a source of tension" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that identifies the origin of strain or conflict. As validated by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appears across a variety of contexts, predominantly in news and media. To use it effectively, ensure clarity by specifying what is experiencing the tension and why. While synonyms like "a cause of friction" or "a point of contention" offer alternatives, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember that while tension can sometimes drive change, the phrase generally implies a negative situation. Therefore, context and clarity are crucial for its appropriate use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cause of friction

Replaces "tension" with "friction", emphasizing the conflict aspect.

a point of contention

Focuses on the disagreement aspect, highlighting the issue that people argue about.

a root of conflict

Highlights the origin or underlying reason for a dispute.

a breeding ground for discord

Suggests a place or situation where disagreement easily arises.

an area of disagreement

Emphasizes the specific subject on which people cannot agree.

a bone of contention

An idiomatic phrase referring to a subject or issue over which there is continuing disagreement.

a trigger for conflict

Highlights something that initiates or exacerbates conflict.

an impediment to harmony

Focuses on the obstruction of peaceful relations.

a catalyst for unease

Emphasizes how something accelerates or intensifies feelings of anxiety.

a foundation for animosity

Suggests that something creates a base or reason for hostility.

FAQs

How can I use "a source of tension" in a sentence?

Use "a source of tension" to indicate the origin of strain or conflict. For instance, "The differing opinions on the budget became "a source of tension" within the committee".

What are some alternatives to saying "a source of tension"?

You can use alternatives like "a cause of friction", "a point of contention", or "a root of conflict" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "source of tension" or "cause of tension"?

"Source of tension" and "cause of tension" are often interchangeable. However, "source" implies an origin or starting point, while "cause" suggests a direct reason. The best choice depends on the context and the specific relationship you want to highlight.

Can "a source of tension" be a positive thing?

While tension often has negative connotations, it can sometimes be a catalyst for change or innovation. However, in most contexts, "a source of tension" implies a negative or problematic situation that needs to be addressed.