a tension between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tension between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe conflicting ideas, emotions, or situations that exist simultaneously. Example: "There is a tension between the need for security and the desire for privacy in today's digital age."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

There was a tension between them.

Independent

"There is a tension between these two".

The New York Times

But there will always be a tension between them.

The Guardian

"There's a tension between the text and the photographs.

The New York Times

There is a tension between beauty and terror.

The Guardian - Arts

There is a tension between individual and the collective interests.

The Guardian

There's a tension between being resolute and being flexible.

The New York Times

There is a tension between these two paths.

The New Yorker

There's a tension between these objects that's deliberate".

The New York Times

Sometimes there is a tension between principle and pragmatic politics.

The Guardian

"Sometimes there is a tension between two things.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tension between" to introduce a nuanced perspective. It signals that you are aware of the complexities of a situation and are not presenting a simplistic, one-sided view.

Common error

Avoid using "a tension between" when a direct opposition or contradiction is more appropriate. "A tension between" implies a more subtle, ongoing interplay rather than a clear-cut conflict. For example, don't use it if you actually mean "a war between".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tension between" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to introduce a complex relationship involving opposing or competing elements. As Ludwig AI explains, this signals awareness of nuanced perspectives, not simplistic views.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tension between" is a versatile phrase used to describe a complex relationship between opposing forces or ideas. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, predominantly in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When employing this phrase, it's important to ensure that you are accurately portraying a nuanced interplay rather than a direct conflict. Be mindful of the alternatives, such as "a conflict between" or "a strain between", and choose the phrasing that best reflects the relationship you are describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strain impacting

Focuses on the pressure and burden caused, rather than the underlying incompatibility.

a conflict involving

This emphasizes a direct clash or struggle, differing from the more subtle sense of unease in the original phrase.

a friction arising from

Implies a surface-level disagreement, not necessarily a deep-seated issue.

an opposition pitting

Indicates a clear antagonistic relationship, stronger than a simple 'tension'.

a disagreement dividing

This emphasizes the act of separation caused by the conflict, differing from the more subtle sense of unease.

a disparity affecting

Highlights the inequality or difference, rather than the stress caused by it.

a dissonance emerging from

This emphasizes the lack of agreement, diverging from the inherent stress indicated by the original phrase.

an incongruity between

Highlights the lack of harmony, but not necessarily the resulting stress.

a balancing act concerning

Focuses on maintaining equilibrium amid conflicting factors, differing from the inherent stress indicated by the original phrase.

a trade-off concerning

Implies a conscious decision and balancing act rather than an inherent stress.

FAQs

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

The phrase "a tension between" is used to describe a state of opposition or strain between two or more things. For example: "There is "a tension between individual and collective interests"".

What's the difference between "a tension between" and "a conflict between"?

"A tension between" suggests a more subtle, ongoing strain or opposition, while "a conflict between" implies a more direct and active clash.

What are some common subjects that "a tension between" is used to describe?

Common subjects include abstract concepts like "a tension between security and privacy", "a tension between principle and pragmatic politics", or opposing forces like "a tension between the demands of society and the habits of the industry".

Is it ever incorrect to use "a tension between"?

While grammatically correct, "a tension between" may not be the most appropriate choice if the relationship is one of direct opposition rather than a more nuanced interplay. In such cases, "a conflict between" or another alternative may be more accurate.