build suspense

USAGE SUMMARY

"build suspense" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to gradually create a feeling of excitement, tension, or anticipation in the reader or audience. Example: "The author masterfully built suspense in the opening chapter, leaving readers on the edge of their seats as they eagerly turned the pages to uncover the mysterious disappearance of the main character."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

To build suspense, Berloni had trained Sunny to ignore the high pitch.

The New Yorker

You build suspense because, step by step, you're getting closer and closer to the hidden treasure.

Cornell University

To build suspense, riddles are available online for passengers to try to decipher.

The Washington Post

"It's a journey of music playing on different emotions to build suspense," he says.

The Guardian

The idea was to build suspense in a game where there really is none.

The New York Times - Sports

"Do I want to throw away a couple of years to build suspense?

The New York Times - Sports

Jolts of titillation do build suspense and that, I guess, is what many readers want.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Split screen here builds suspense.

The New York Times

It is very interesting and it builds suspense very well.

The Guardian

The primarily British cast and the deftly built suspense made this a most atypical Allen film.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fear curdles through this story, which skilfully builds suspense as it discloses their painful pasts.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use specific details and vivid imagery to create a sense of anticipation in your audience when trying to "build suspense".

Common error

Avoid relying on predictable plot devices or overly dramatic language when attempting to "build suspense". Instead, focus on subtle cues and nuanced character interactions to create a more genuine sense of unease.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "build suspense" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "build" acts as the main verb and "suspense" serves as its direct object. This indicates an action taken to create or increase a state of suspense. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples of it being used across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

19%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "build suspense" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that describes the process of creating anticipation or excitement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears predominantly in "News & Media", "Academia", and "Encyclopedias", indicating its broad applicability across both formal and informal contexts. To effectively "build suspense", focus on gradually revealing information and using vivid descriptions. Avoid overusing clichés to maintain originality and impact. Consider using alternatives like "create anticipation" or "heighten the tension" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create anticipation

Replaces "build" with "create" and "suspense" with "anticipation", focusing on the feeling of looking forward to something.

generate excitement

Shifts the focus to generating a feeling of excitement rather than suspense.

heighten the tension

Emphasizes increasing the level of tension, rather than the act of building suspense more gradually.

foster anticipation

Similar to 'create anticipation' but uses 'foster', implying a nurturing or encouraging of anticipation.

cultivate suspense

Uses 'cultivate' to suggest a more deliberate and careful development of suspense.

develop anticipation

Focuses on the development aspect similar to "build", but uses "anticipation" instead of "suspense".

amplify the intrigue

Replaces "suspense" with "intrigue", focusing on curiosity and mystery.

weave a web of mystery

This is a more metaphorical way of describing building suspense, focusing on creating a sense of mystery.

craft a sense of anticipation

Emphasizes the careful crafting of a feeling of anticipation.

orchestrate a thrilling atmosphere

More focused on creating a general atmosphere of thrill rather than building suspense specifically.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "build suspense" in my writing?

To effectively "build suspense", gradually reveal information, use foreshadowing, and create a sense of unease or anticipation in your audience. Focus on pacing and withholding key details to keep readers engaged.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "build suspense"?

You can use alternatives like "create anticipation", "heighten the tension", or "foster anticipation" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "build suspense"?

Yes, "build suspense" is grammatically correct. "Build" is a verb, and "suspense" is a noun that functions as the object of the verb. It correctly conveys the action of creating or increasing suspense.

What is the difference between "build suspense" and "create tension"?

"Build suspense" refers specifically to creating a feeling of anticipation and uncertainty. "Create tension" is broader and can refer to generating any kind of strain or stress, not necessarily related to anticipation.