continual tension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "continual tension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where tension or stress is ongoing or recurring over a period of time. Example: "The continual tension between the two rival factions made it difficult to achieve any form of peace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

There was also continual tension over content.

The New Yorker

Democratic societies experience a continual tension between the desire for order and the desire for liberty.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

When continual tension or an awkward position causes a tendon, for example, to rub and press against a muscle, the resulting friction irritates the tissue.

The New York Times - Magazine

"This violence of landscape, this cruelty of climate, this continual tension in everything, and even these monuments to the past, magnificent yet incomprehensible because not built by us..

The Guardian - Books

I find research really stimulating, but there is a continual tension between today's clinical problems and tomorrow's research needs, and it is the research that offers the only way of making things better for patients in the long run.

The Guardian

There has been continual tension in Iran between reformers -- the president and much of the Parliament -- who are pressing for greater religious and cultural freedom, and religious conservatives, who control the judiciary and security services.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The presence of groups of Taliban and tribal militants residing in the area has led to continual tensions.

The Guardian

Japan's occupation by the Americans, who set out to rebuild the country as a pacifist liberal democracy, helped to set the stage for four decades of jaw-dropping growth.Yet the origins of the miracle and of the continual tensions it has created inside Japan and out stretch further back.

The Economist

Carroll (1991) organised his pyramid as a four-layered model, entitled the Pyramid of Responsibilities, which embodied the four different responsibilities - economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic - which while not mutually exclusive, enabled managers to appreciate the varying types of obligation and the continual tensions between them.

International Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility

According to Strauss, Maimonides is able to properly balance the relation between praxis, obedience to the law, and theory, the mystery of the law's origins, not by conflating them but by keeping them in continual dialectical tension.

SEP

Greece from 800 - 500 BCE experienced continual class tensions between the aristocracy and the poor over land scarcity, which fostered mass migrations around the Mediterranean world.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “continual tension” when you want to emphasize a dynamic and fluctuating state of stress, rather than a constant, unchanging one. Consider “constant tension” if the stress is truly unyielding and static.

Common error

Avoid using "continual tension" interchangeably with "continuous tension". "Continual" implies a recurring or intermittent tension, while "continuous" suggests an uninterrupted state. Using the wrong term can alter the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continual tension" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a state of ongoing or recurring stress. Ludwig's examples show its usage across various contexts, indicating its versatility in describing different kinds of stressful situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "continual tension" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe ongoing stress or strain, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is versatile, appearing in various contexts from news and media to academia and science. It is important to remember that “continual” implies a recurring tension, as opposed to a truly unbroken, constant tension. When writing, ensure the context clarifies the source and impact of the tension to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "persistent strain" or "ongoing conflict" may provide more specific nuances depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constant friction

Highlights the unchanging nature of the disagreement.

persistent strain

Emphasizes the enduring nature of the pressure or stress.

incessant stress

Emphasizes the unstopping nature of the stress.

ongoing conflict

Highlights the continuous nature of the disagreement or struggle.

ceaseless pressure

Highlights the constant and unbroken nature of the pressure.

unrelenting pressure

Focuses on the constant and intense force being applied.

unremitting strain

Suggests the continuous and never-ending nature of the strain.

perpetual friction

Suggests a constant state of disagreement or conflict.

chronic stress

Indicates a long-term and consistent state of stress.

sustained discord

Implies a prolonged lack of harmony or agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "continual tension" in a sentence?

You can use "continual tension" to describe ongoing stress or strain, such as, "The "continual tension" between the two departments hindered collaboration."

What's the difference between "continual tension" and "constant tension"?

"Continual tension" implies that the tension recurs or fluctuates, while "constant tension" suggests an unbroken state of stress.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "continual tension"?

Alternatives include "persistent strain", "ongoing conflict", or "unrelenting pressure", depending on the specific context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "continual tension"?

It's appropriate when describing situations where stress or strain is present repeatedly or consistently over a period of time, rather than being a one-time event. It helps to illustrate the ongoing impact of the stress.