an underlying tension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an underlying tension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a subtle or hidden feeling of stress or conflict that exists beneath the surface of a situation or relationship. Example: "Throughout the meeting, there was an underlying tension that made it difficult for everyone to express their opinions openly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

But some of the ACU parents sense an underlying tension.

The Guardian - Sport

For Sergeant Munley and several other victims who have testified, an underlying tension has gone unspoken in court.

The New York Times

It is a dichotomy that belies an underlying tension – that of the individual v the collective in a culture where notions of individuality still contain negative connotations.

The Guardian - Books

The Modigliani played with animated zest, and an underlying tension built up momentum to frenetic climaxes, highlighting the taut pizzicatos in the second movement and the languid exchange of the main theme in the third.

The New York Times - Arts

"There's always a clash, an underlying tension, between politics, which is basically trying to keep the status quo, and literature, which is constantly questioning the status quo," Nafisi says.

The New York Times

One might see in Cassatt's prints, for example, the working out of a certain fundamental psychological polarity: an underlying tension between a distancing, coolly analytic formality and powerful impulses of empathic tenderness.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

There were no outright fights, but there was a constant, underlying tension as Riggio and the other board members sought to control the debate over the New York City site.

The New York Times - Magazine

Although commission members had long made a show of trying to work collaboratively, there was always a fair amount of underlying tension.

The New York Times

But their formal understatement heightens the underlying tension between a viewer's inner and outer worlds.

The New York Times

Ongoing grievances over the lack of investment and perpetual military involvement in the North have created underlying tension that prompted a mutiny by the armed forces which spiraled into the coup.

Huffington Post

It's the source of the comedy, but it's not a cheap device -- that's the real underlying tension.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing complex social dynamics, consider using "an underlying tension" to acknowledge the existence of unspoken issues or power struggles that influence behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "an underlying tension" when the tension is already overt or the conflict is explicit. Doing so can make your writing redundant and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an underlying tension" functions as a noun phrase, where "underlying" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "tension". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an underlying tension" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a subtle or hidden feeling of stress or conflict. As highlighted by Ludwig, it effectively introduces unease without being explicit. This makes it suitable for formal writing in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Business, where nuance and subtext are valuable. While alternatives such as "a latent unease" or "a suppressed conflict" exist, the phrase's frequency and correct usage, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, solidify its place in sophisticated communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a latent unease

Replaces "tension" with "unease", suggesting a milder and less defined sense of discomfort. "Latent" emphasizes that it's hidden.

a suppressed conflict

Focuses on the conflict aspect of the tension, implying it's being actively held back from surfacing.

a hidden discord

Highlights the disharmony, suggesting a lack of agreement or alignment that is not openly expressed.

an unspoken friction

Emphasizes the lack of communication about the tension, making it an unacknowledged point of conflict.

a subtle strain

Replaces "tension" with "strain", suggesting a less intense but still noticeable pressure or stress.

a brewing unease

Suggests that the feeling of unease is growing and about to become more intense

an emerging conflict

Emphasizes that the conflict is starting to come into existence or become apparent

a palpable undercurrent

Shifts the focus to an unseen force or influence, making the tension a felt presence rather than a defined issue.

a lurking unease

Highlights the sense of potential threat or worry, replacing the more neutral term "tension".

a veiled hostility

Suggests that the tension manifests as concealed animosity or unfriendliness

FAQs

How can I effectively use "an underlying tension" in a sentence?

Use "an underlying tension" to introduce a subtle sense of unease or conflict in a situation without explicitly stating it, such as: "Despite the smiles, "an underlying tension" was palpable during the negotiations."

What are some alternatives to using "an underlying tension"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a latent unease", "a suppressed conflict", or "a hidden discord".

When is it appropriate to use "an underlying tension"?

It's appropriate when describing a situation where there's a subtle, not immediately obvious, feeling of unease or conflict that influences events or relationships. It is less appropriate when the tension is already overt or explicit.

What's the difference between "an underlying tension" and "a palpable tension"?

"A palpable tension" is noticeable and easily felt, while ""an underlying tension"" is more subtle and may not be immediately apparent. The former is overt, while the latter is covert.