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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

as tense as
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some journalists, it seemed, were as tense as the politicians.

News & Media

The Guardian

Other sections are as tense as any thriller.

News & Media

The Guardian - Film

They began the game as tense as an archery bow.

News & Media

The New York Times - Sports

The shoot became as tense as a countdown Hollywood thriller.

News & Media

The Guardian - Film

Britain's relations with France are not as bad as Germany's or as tense as America's.

News & Media

The New Yorker

As tense as their last meeting was, they managed a joke between them on Monday.

News & Media

The New York Times - Sports

As tense as it is, Kabul can give you a misleading impression.

News & Media

The New York Times

But that was about as tense as it got at the Gap.

News & Media

The New York Times

LEAVING at a moment as tense as this, Mr. Sharp has decided, is a bad idea.

News & Media

The New York Times

When will you bring a girl to introduce to us?" — no longer made me as tense as before.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"I have contested four general elections," he told me, "but I have never felt as tense as this.

News & Media

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as tense as" to vividly describe situations or individuals experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety, or anticipation. Consider the specific image or comparison you want to evoke to enhance the impact of your writing.

Common error

While "as tense as" is acceptable in various contexts, avoid overuse in overly informal settings where simpler language might be more appropriate. Consider using less dramatic alternatives like "nervous" or "anxious" depending on the situation.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

92%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "as tense as" is as a comparative simile, using the structure "as + adjective + as" to describe a state of heightened tension by comparing it to a known or understood level of tension. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

Reference

Less common in

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as tense as" is a common and grammatically sound simile used to vividly describe heightened states of tension. As Ludwig AI suggests, its versatility allows it to fit into a wide range of contexts, particularly in News & Media. While the usage is correct, remember to select comparisons that add impact. Avoiding overuse in overly informal contexts is key to maintaining stylistic impact.

More alternative expressions(6)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as anxious as

Focuses more on the feeling of unease and worry.

as stressed as

Highlights the pressure and strain experienced.

as nervous as

Emphasizes apprehension and fear.

as apprehensive as

Conveys a sense of foreboding or worry about the future.

as strained as

Indicates a state of being stretched to the limit, either emotionally or physically.

as edgy as

Suggests a state of being irritable and on edge.

as fraught as

Implies a situation filled with tension and anxiety.

as high-strung as

Describes someone with a naturally anxious or excitable disposition.

as wired as

Describes feeling highly stimulated or agitated.

as uptight as

Highlights rigidity and a lack of relaxation.

FAQs

How can I use "as tense as" in a sentence?

You can use "as tense as" to compare the level of tension in a situation to something else, such as "The negotiation was "as tense as" a drawn bow" or "He was "as tense as" could be before the performance".

What are some alternatives to "as tense as"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "as anxious as", "as stressed as", or "as nervous as".

Is it correct to say "as tense as" in formal writing?

Yes, "as tense as" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when you want to create a vivid image. However, ensure it fits the overall tone and style of your piece. In some cases, more direct language might be preferred.

What's the difference between "as tense as" and "very tense"?

"As tense as" is a simile, comparing the level of tension to something else, making it more descriptive. "Very tense" is a direct statement of the level of tension without comparison. The choice depends on the desired level of imagery and detail.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

92%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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as tense asGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

as tense as
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples