achieve tension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "achieve tension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to creating suspense or emotional intensity in storytelling, music, or other forms of art. Example: "The author skillfully builds the plot to achieve tension, keeping readers on the edge of their seats."

✓ Grammatically correct

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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Third, to achieve tension-free ureteroileal conduit anastomosis, the ureter should be freed as long as possible, and a new ileal conduit should be constructed if required.

Chinese Journal of Cancer

His only son, Duhu, turns out to be a homosexual, thus ruining his father's hopes that he will produce an heir.By adopting the perspective of a dead father who flagellates himself for the evils suffered by his family, Su Tong achieves tension.

The Economist

It has been documented that achieving tension-free closure in arthrodesis cases can be difficult [ 4] and compromised circulatory drainage of the distal limb is possible [ 2].

BMC Veterinary Research

Although simulations are consistent with a reduction in maximum tension, the model overestimates the amount of wild-type Tn required to achieve maximum tension, by 5, 10, and 13% for reconstitutions with 80, 60, and 20% wild-type Tn, respectively (Fig. 4).

Plosone

Clinton sowed division in his staff to achieve creative tension, but Bush puts a higher priority on teamwork.

The New York Times - Magazine

Cutaneous excision is performed to achieve adequate tension and good symmetry of the scar position.

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Time to achieve peak tension was 27.0 ± 1.1 sec during period 1, 73.9 ± 3.1 sec, 87.0 ± 2.0 sec and 75.1 ± 4.9 sec during each successive contraction period.

BMC Physiology

The docking technique is an excellent way to achieve appropriate tension on the transferred CA ligament (reducing the clavicle within 5 to 10 mm of the coracoid) with maximized potential for solid ligament-to-bone integration.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Under hypoxic conditions (95%N2/5%% CO2; resulting in ≈1% tissue bath O2; Maher et al., 2008), the vessels were incubated for 30 min before exposure to the EC80 of PE (to achieve similar tension observed at 95% O2) and the administration of NaNO2.

British Journal of Pharmacology

If needed, component separation should be used to achieve primary tension-free closure, which helps to reduce the likelihood of hernia recurrences.

Stanford University

The story of an academic (Ewan McGregor) and his wife (Naomie Harris) who are drafted in to broker a deal between a Russian gangster (Stellan Skarsgård, excellent) and British intelligence, the film is solid but rarely achieves the tension for which it is clearly aiming.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for suspense in writing, use "achieve tension" to denote a deliberate crafting of unease, not just a natural occurrence. This implies skillful manipulation of narrative elements to keep the audience engaged and anxious.

Common error

Avoid using "achieve tension" when the context suggests a natural or accidental emergence of stress. The phrase implies a deliberate action; if the tension arises spontaneously, consider terms like "encounter tension" or "experience strain" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "achieve tension" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of successfully creating a state of strain, suspense, or unease. Without provided examples from Ludwig to examine, assessing its specific grammatical roles is difficult, but the basic structure is readily understandable.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "achieve tension" denotes the successful creation of a state of suspense, anxiety, or unease. While grammatically correct, the phrase's frequency is absent from the search data. The absence of examples makes it difficult to pinpoint specific usage contexts or nuances. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is correct and can be used in contexts related to creating suspense or emotional intensity in storytelling, music, or other forms of art. However, one must bear in mind that this phrase suggests a deliberate action, making it unsuitable for describing spontaneously arising tension. The best alternatives include ""generate suspense"", "create anxiety", and "foster unease", offering similar meanings with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generate suspense

Focuses specifically on creating suspense rather than a broader sense of tension.

provoke strain

Emphasizes the act of causing a state of pressure or difficulty.

create anxiety

Shifts the focus to the emotional outcome of anxiety, implying a more negative connotation.

heighten the stakes

This phrase refers to increasing the potential risks or rewards involved in a situation, thus augmenting tension.

build anticipation

Emphasizes the gradual development of expectation rather than the presence of strain.

establish pressure

Implies setting up a situation of constraint or obligation.

cultivate intensity

Focuses on nurturing or developing a strong degree of emotion or force.

foster unease

Highlights a feeling of discomfort and anxiety, suggesting a subtle form of tension.

reach a climax

Refers to a peak point of intensity, often implying a resolution of tension.

induce stress

Focuses on causing stress, a more specific and often negative form of tension.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "achieve tension" in my writing?

Employ "achieve tension" when you want to emphasize the deliberate creation of suspense or unease through specific techniques, such as pacing, foreshadowing, or character interactions. For example: "The director masterfully used lighting and sound to "generate suspense" and "achieve tension" throughout the film".

What are some alternatives to "achieve tension" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you might consider alternatives like "build suspense", "create anxiety", or "foster unease". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "achieve tension" always appropriate when describing a stressful situation?

No, "achieve tension" implies a deliberate creation of stress. If the tension arises naturally or unintentionally, consider using phrases like "experience stress" or "encounter difficulty".

How does "achieve tension" differ from simply "create tension"?

While similar, "achieve tension" often suggests a more skillful or purposeful effort to create a state of suspense or unease. "Create tension" is a more general term, while "achieve tension" highlights the successful attainment of that state.