create suspense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "create suspense" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing storytelling, film, or any situation where building tension or anticipation is desired. Example: "The author skillfully creates suspense throughout the novel, keeping readers on the edge of their seats."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The drama level sags when the story hits the courts, and Schechter misses various opportunities to create suspense out of what might have been quite suspenseful material.

The New York Times - Books

Still, Stone needed it to create suspense for the audience.

Princeton University

I don't cook the books in an attempt to create suspense or lure donations.

The Washington Post

The ambiguities not only create suspense, but allow our minds to imagine our own stories.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Instead, it's built to create suspense and engage your listener in its call to action.

Harvard Business Review

There are plenty of watchable fight scenes, but countless missed opportunities to create suspense.

The Guardian - Film

While Iverson could not deliver a victory, he could create suspense.

The New York Times - Sports

The programme is brilliantly made to create suspense and human drama.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Missed calls create suspense," Mr. Tripathy explained, who interviewed 260 musicians for his research project in 2009 and 2010.

The New York Times

Added to that, he has realised that you don't create suspense just by giving people nasty turns every five minutes.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

As always, creating suspense on television requires manipulating time.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use vivid descriptions and sensory details to immerse the reader in the scene and amplify suspense.

Common error

Avoid relying on predictable plot devices or character tropes, which can diminish the effectiveness of your attempt to "create suspense". Instead, opt for originality and unexpected twists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "create suspense" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of generating a state of anticipation, anxiety, or uncertainty in an audience. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

18%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "create suspense" is a widely used and grammatically correct verb phrase that effectively conveys the action of building anticipation and tension. Ludwig AI highlights its appropriateness across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. To enhance your writing, employ vivid descriptions and sensory details, while avoiding clichés that diminish originality. Alternatives like "build anticipation" and "generate tension" offer nuanced options depending on the intended emotional effect. By understanding its function and potential pitfalls, writers can master the art of "create suspense" to captivate their audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

build anticipation

Focuses on generating a sense of eager expectation rather than pure tension.

generate tension

Emphasizes the feeling of unease and strain created, differing from general excitement.

heighten the stakes

Shifts focus to increasing the potential consequences, thus creating suspense indirectly.

develop anticipation

Suggests a gradual and deliberate process of building excitement.

craft suspense

Highlights the skillful and deliberate act of building suspense.

establish tension

Implies setting the foundation for a feeling of unease.

foster anticipation

Suggests nurturing and promoting a feeling of expectation.

arouse curiosity

Focuses on stimulating interest and a desire to know more, which can lead to suspense.

whet the appetite

Creates a desire for something more to come, similar to building anticipation.

engineer tension

Implies a calculated and strategic approach to creating unease.

FAQs

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

To effectively "create suspense", use foreshadowing, red herrings, and pacing to keep your audience guessing. Slowly reveal information and build tension gradually.

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

You can use alternatives such as "build anticipation", "generate tension", or "heighten the stakes" depending on the context.

Which elements are essential to successfully "create suspense"?

Key elements include uncertainty, high stakes, a sense of impending doom, and a controlled release of information. Effective pacing and vivid imagery also contribute.

How does foreshadowing help to "create suspense"?

Foreshadowing hints at future events, creating anticipation and unease. It allows the audience to anticipate potential dangers or revelations, heightening their engagement and anxiety.