building suspense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "building suspense" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing the process of creating tension or anticipation in a narrative. For example, "The author skillfully builds suspense as the protagonist approaches the dark alley." Alternative expressions include "creating tension," "increasing anticipation," and "heightening suspense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"House has endless possibilities – it's all about building suspense and tension in a crowd.

The Guardian - Music

Halfway through the pilot, "Supernatural" stops building suspense and turns predictable.

The New York Times - Arts

"The children in it are running through their grandmother's mansion and building suspense.

The New York Times - Arts

They recount events, showing how one moment develops out of another, building suspense about what is to come.

The New York Times - Arts

It might just be a turn of phrase or a way of expressing a feeling or building suspense.

The Guardian

Payment on Demand (1951) was a well-mounted drama about the marital problems of a couple (played by Davis and Barry Sullivan), with elaborate flashbacks building suspense.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Build suspense.

WikiHow

There is a building serial suspense.

The New York Times - Books

This book keeps building up suspense from the beginning.

The Guardian

With much fanfare, the press is building the suspense around tomorrow's meeting of the Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee.

The New York Times

"I knew there was something wrong with that baby's eyes," she used to tell us, building the suspense.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing fiction, use sensory details and pacing to effectively "building suspense". Describe the environment, the characters' emotions, and the gradual increase in tension to keep readers engaged.

Common error

Avoid relying on tired tropes and predictable plot devices when "building suspense". Instead, focus on creating unique and unexpected scenarios to keep your audience guessing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "building suspense" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the active process of creating a state of anticipation, anxiety, or excitement. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's commonly used in contexts related to storytelling, performance, and strategic planning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Arts

23%

Books

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Huffington Post

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "building suspense" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the process of creating anticipation and excitement. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability across various contexts, particularly in storytelling, performance, and strategic planning. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, effective usage involves avoiding clichés and pacing the delivery to maintain audience engagement. Alternatives like "creating anticipation" and "heightening tension" offer nuanced ways to convey similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

creating anticipation

Focuses on the feeling of looking forward to something, similar to building suspense but emphasizes the emotional state.

crafting anticipation

Similar to creating anticipation, but emphasizes the skill and artistry involved.

developing tension

Mirrors building suspense but focuses more on the gradual increase of tension.

heightening tension

Emphasizes the increase in stress or anxiety, closely related to the feeling generated by building suspense.

generating excitement

Highlights the creation of enthusiasm and eagerness, which can be a result of building suspense.

orchestrating anticipation

Implies a careful and deliberate arrangement to create suspense.

fostering intrigue

Focuses on creating curiosity and interest, which contributes to suspense.

cultivating mystery

Emphasizes the creation of a mysterious atmosphere, which can lead to suspense.

generating unease

Focuses on creating a feeling of discomfort or anxiety, closely related to suspense.

creating a cliffhanger

Refers to a specific technique for creating suspense, often at the end of a chapter or episode.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "building suspense" in a story?

Use foreshadowing, pacing, and red herrings to gradually increase tension and anticipation. Delaying the revelation of key information can be a powerful tool for "creating anticipation".

What are some common techniques for "building suspense" in film?

Techniques include slow camera movements, ominous music, close-ups on characters' faces, and the strategic withholding of information. Sound design is also essential for "heightening tension".

Is it possible to "building suspense" too much, and what are the drawbacks?

Yes, excessive suspense without payoff can lead to reader frustration. Ensure that the buildup leads to a satisfying resolution or revelation; otherwise, the audience may feel cheated. It’s important to have a balance with "generating excitement".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "creating tension", "heightening anticipation", or "fostering intrigue".