a tense relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tense relationship" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a relationship between two or more people that is strained or filled with tension, meaning there is a feeling of discomfort or unease between them. Example: The siblings had always had a tense relationship, constantly bickering and arguing over small things. OR The recent political events have caused a tense relationship to develop between the two countries, leading to increased hostility and disagreements.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We have a tense relationship with them".

The Guardian

Since then they have enjoyed a tense relationship.

Independent

My dad and I had a tense relationship.

The New Yorker

Former president Barack Obama had a tense relationship with Putin.

The Washington Post

China and Taiwan have long had a tense relationship.

The Washington Post

While the gym was never built, a tense relationship remained.

The New York Times

Political journalists and political scientists have a tense relationship.

The New Yorker

And he is trying to manage a tense relationship with the military.

The New York Times

It has always had a tense relationship with Al Azhar, the great Sunni seminary of Cairo.

The New York Times

Robinov has also had a tense relationship with Legendary Pictures, a major partner.

The New York Times

A tense relationship with José Mourinho appears to be at the heart of it.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "a tense relationship", provide specific examples or context to illustrate the nature and source of the tension. This adds depth and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a tense relationship" as a blanket statement. Without specific details, it lacks impact and doesn't effectively communicate the nuances of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a tense relationship" is to act as a noun phrase, serving as the subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to describe a state of unease or strain between individuals or entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tense relationship" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe strained or uneasy interactions between individuals or entities. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, highlighting conflicts or disagreements. When using the phrase, it's beneficial to provide specific details to illustrate the source and nature of the tension. While alternatives such as "a strained relationship" or "a difficult relationship" exist, "a tense relationship" remains a direct and widely understood way to convey this concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strained relationship

Focuses on the damage or weakening of the relationship bond.

a difficult relationship

Highlights the challenges and hardships involved in maintaining the relationship.

a troubled relationship

Emphasizes the problems and difficulties experienced within the relationship.

a fraught relationship

Suggests a relationship filled with anxiety, stress, and potential conflict.

an uneasy alliance

Implies a relationship built on necessity rather than genuine connection, with underlying distrust.

a hostile relationship

Highlights the antagonistic and aggressive nature of the interactions.

an acrimonious association

Indicates a relationship characterized by bitterness and resentment.

a conflicted partnership

Emphasizes the presence of opposing interests or values within a collaborative context.

a precarious connection

Suggests a relationship that is unstable and vulnerable to disruption.

a rocky dynamic

Focuses on the unpredictable and challenging interactions between individuals.

FAQs

What does it mean to have "a tense relationship" with someone?

Having "a tense relationship" implies there's strain, discomfort, or unease between individuals. It suggests frequent disagreements, unspoken resentments, or a general lack of harmony.

What are some signs of "a tense relationship"?

Signs can include frequent arguments, passive-aggressive behavior, avoidance of contact, difficulty communicating openly, and a general feeling of discomfort when interacting.

How can you improve "a tense relationship"?

Improving "a tense relationship" often requires open communication, willingness to understand each other's perspectives, setting boundaries, and potentially seeking professional help.

What are some alternatives to saying "a tense relationship"?

You could use alternatives like "a strained relationship", "a difficult relationship", or "a troubled relationship", depending on the specific context.