a tense environment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tense environment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or setting that is filled with stress, anxiety, or conflict. Example: "The negotiations took place in a tense environment, with both sides clearly on edge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"It's a tense environment right now," said Glenn Schorr, an analyst with the investment bank Nomura.

The New York Times

Every new Attorney General brings in his own team, but the scorn that Ashcroft's aides feel for "the bureaucracy" — the career attorneys and employees — has helped to create a tense environment within the Justice building.

The New Yorker

But in a tense environment where suspicion and paranoia are sometimes indistinguishable, it can be hard to separate the business of daily life from the business of coping and watching over your shoulder.

The New York Times

The student who was raped told the dean she wouldn't be able to attend school in such a tense environment and asked about taking more classes at Hofstra or Fordham University in New York City instead of immediately returning to Duke.

Huffington Post

Nurses perceive that they are unfairly blamed when service goals are not reached, which contributes to a tense environment.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

She spent more than 100 continuous days at sea in a hot, tense environment – a striking contrast to her world cruise months earlier.

Wikipedia

"It's a very tense environment, a very polarized political landscape at this moment," said Karim Medhat Ennarah, a human rights researcher at the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights.

Huffington Post

Chipperfield accepts the criticisms of the building's external appearance, but also points to his compromised role: "If there had been a less tense environment, I think we might have been able to spend a bit more time on the facades, put it that way.

The Guardian - Arts

MPs were evacuated in service vehicles after heavy gendarme reinforcements broke up the crowds at 3 am.Tzvetlin Yovchev, the interior minister, claimed that "my colleagues behaved perfectly and remained calm in a highly tense environment".

The Economist

"In order to avoid escalation all must refrain from inflammatory statements and retaliatory action that can only further exacerbate an already tense environment," he said.

Independent

The revision, in an already tense environment, inspired suspicions that the keepers of the status quo were somehow manipulating the numbers.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "a tense environment", provide specific details about the factors contributing to the tension, such as interpersonal conflicts, external pressures, or impending events.

Common error

While "a tense environment" is a useful descriptor, avoid overuse. Vary your language by using synonyms like "stressful atmosphere" or "charged situation" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tense environment" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "tense" modifies the noun "environment". Ludwig AI confirms that it's a valid and usable phrase. This phrase typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tense environment" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a setting or situation filled with stress, anxiety, or potential conflict. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most frequently found in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, consider providing specific details about the factors contributing to the tension. To avoid repetition, explore synonyms like "a stressful atmosphere" or "a charged situation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stressful atmosphere

Focuses more on the emotional impact and general feeling of stress.

a strained atmosphere

Implies a relationship or situation under pressure, possibly leading to a break.

a high-pressure situation

Highlights the intensity and demands placed on individuals within the scenario.

a charged atmosphere

Emphasizes the presence of strong emotions or potential for conflict.

a hostile atmosphere

Indicates open antagonism and unfriendliness.

a volatile situation

Highlights the instability and likelihood of sudden, drastic changes.

an uneasy calm

Suggests a temporary pause in conflict, with underlying tension and anticipation.

a difficult climate

Refers to long-term underlying negative factors, without necessarily implying outright tension.

a precarious state

Highlights fragility and risk of imminent collapse.

a delicate balance

Implies that a stable situation could easily become unstable.

FAQs

How can I effectively describe "a tense environment" in writing?

Use vivid language and sensory details to convey the feeling of tension. Describe the actions, expressions, and atmosphere that contribute to the overall sense of unease. For example, instead of stating "it was a tense environment", you could say "the air was thick with unspoken anxieties, and every creak of the floorboards sounded like a gunshot".

What are some situations where "a tense environment" might arise?

Situations that can lead to "a tense environment" include high-stakes negotiations, political standoffs, workplaces with looming deadlines, or families dealing with internal conflicts. Any situation involving pressure, uncertainty, or disagreement has the potential to become tense.

What can I say instead of "a tense environment"?

You can use alternatives like "a stressful atmosphere", "a strained atmosphere", or "a charged atmosphere" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "a tense environment"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The word "tense" is an adjective that appropriately modifies the noun "environment", creating a standard adjective-noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and commonly used.