a state of suspense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a state of suspense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is uncertain or anxious about what will happen next, often in a narrative or dramatic context. Example: "The movie kept the audience in a state of suspense until the very last moment, leaving everyone on the edge of their seats."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

General Interest

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Popular music in the year 2001 is in a state of suspense.

The New Yorker

After the Supreme Court agreed to hear the case, organizations and immigrants remained in a state of suspense.

The New Yorker

In the ritual buildup to the speech, the talk circuit feigned a state of suspense over where Obama would come down on the public option question.

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, many traditional British institutions have been left in a state of suspense, like crumbling mansions in a park awaiting planning permission.

The Guardian

"Mr Rouhani encouraged those expectations and inadvertently created a state of suspense, which is not helping an economy stuck in recession and unable to create jobs".

The Guardian

And the flicker of impatience in that gesture was productive: it created an irresistible momentum, keeping the room in a state of suspense.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Legislation in New York awaiting the governor's signature would prevent lenders' lawyers from leaving homeowners facing foreclosure in a state of legal suspense.

The New York Times

"Dog Waking," the set opener, had bass and drums in a state of maximum suspense, carrying a faintly West African motif as Mr. Moran moved from one chordal encampment to the next.

The New York Times - Arts

The other day at the market, I ran into a friend, the mother of college-age triplets, who likens this odd stage of parenthood to being in a state of constant suspense.

The New York Times

Its occupants have not yet given up the dream of ascending to the Club of Hundred through some "breakthrough" book, splashy advertising campaign or other fata morgana, and what keeps them in a state of constant suspense is that from time to time a bone is tossed to them — a flattering review, say, a runner-up designation for a literary award or, best of all, a university post.

The New York Times - Books

He is enjoying the game of power and taking pleasure in hiding his cards, leaving the whole world in a state of anxious suspense.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "a state of suspense" in your writing, make sure the context clearly indicates what the subject is uncertain about or awaiting. This ensures the phrase resonates effectively with your audience.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "a state of suspense", as overuse can dilute its impact. Vary your language with synonyms like "a condition of uncertainty" or "a mood of expectancy" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a state of suspense" functions primarily as a noun phrase, describing a condition or situation characterized by uncertainty and anticipation. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, reinforcing its role as a descriptor of emotional or situational tension.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Arts

16%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a state of suspense" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a situation filled with uncertainty and anticipation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showing its prevalence across various sources such as news, arts, and general media. While versatile, it's advisable to vary your language and substitute with synonyms like "a condition of uncertainty" or "on tenterhooks" to avoid overuse. This phrase effectively conveys emotional tension and situational uncertainty, making it a useful tool in writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a condition of uncertainty

Replaces "state of suspense" with "condition of uncertainty", focusing on the lack of clarity.

a state of anticipation

Emphasizes the expectant aspect of suspense, rather than the anxiety.

a moment of tension

Concentrates on the tense aspect, rather than the duration.

a climate of uncertainty

Uses "climate" to suggest a pervasive atmosphere of suspense.

a mood of expectancy

Highlights the emotional tone of awaiting a resolution.

a period of waiting

Focuses on the time spent in suspense, highlighting the delay.

on tenterhooks

Uses an idiom to convey the feeling of being in suspense.

waiting with bated breath

Uses a more figurative expression to describe anticipation.

in a state of flux

Suggests a dynamic situation where outcomes are uncertain.

in limbo

Uses a single word to describe a state of indefinite waiting.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a state of suspense" in a sentence?

Use "a state of suspense" to describe situations where the outcome is uncertain and generates anticipation or anxiety, such as "The negotiations left everyone in "a state of suspense"."

What are some alternatives to "a state of suspense"?

You can use alternatives like "a condition of uncertainty", "a mood of expectancy", or "on tenterhooks" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "in suspense" or "a state of suspense"?

"In suspense" is more concise, but "a state of suspense" provides more emphasis on the condition of uncertainty. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and impact.

What does it mean to be "on tenterhooks" as an alternative to "a state of suspense"?

"On tenterhooks" is an idiom that means being in a state of uneasy anticipation, anxiety, or "a state of suspense", often because you are waiting to find out something.