creating suspense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "creating suspense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing techniques in storytelling, film, or any narrative form that involves building tension or anticipation. Example: "The author excels at creating suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

As always, creating suspense on television requires manipulating time.

The New York Times - Arts

I am often asked at events and creative writing workshops how you go about creating suspense.

The Guardian - Books

Maybe the triple-tier postseason wears people out rather than creating suspense and story lines.

The New York Times - Sports

Mantel should be congratulated for creating suspense about matters whose outcome we've known since high school.

The New Yorker

He would begin quietly, almost haltingly, testing out his audience and creating suspense.

The New Yorker

Without meaning to, I set myself the challenge of creating suspense and momentum where an outcome is already plain.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 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

Foreknowledge of these precedents, combined with the haze and the noise, creates suspense.

The New York Times - Arts

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "creating suspense", use pacing effectively. Vary sentence length and structure to control the reader's anticipation and prevent predictability.

Common error

Avoid relying on overused tropes when "creating suspense". Original and unexpected twists are far more effective than predictable plot devices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "creating suspense" functions primarily as a verbal noun phrase, where "creating" acts as a gerund modifying the noun "suspense". It describes the action of bringing suspense into existence or intensifying it. As Ludwig AI confirm, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "creating suspense" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term for describing the act of building anticipation in narratives. Ludwig AI highlights its correctness and usability in English writing. While it appears across various contexts, it's most prevalent in discussions of media and literature within news outlets and academic analyses. Related phrases include "building tension" and "generating anticipation". When using this phrase, remember that originality triumphs over cliché. As Ludwig's examples demonstrate, "creating suspense" is a versatile and valuable tool for writers and analysts alike, suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

building tension

Focuses on the gradual increase of tension, rather than the act of creation.

generating anticipation

Highlights the production of anticipatory feelings in the audience.

fostering unease

Emphasizes the cultivation of a feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

heightening the stakes

Focuses on making the potential consequences more significant.

developing a cliffhanger

Refers to the specific technique of ending a scene or chapter on a suspenseful note.

constructing a mystery

Highlights the building of a sense of enigma or the unknown.

injecting thrill

Emphasizes adding excitement or a sense of danger.

intensifying drama

Focuses on increasing the dramatic elements of a situation.

weaving intrigue

Suggests a subtle and complex method of creating suspense.

setting the stage for excitement

Emphasizes the preparation for future thrilling events.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "creating suspense" in a sentence?

You can use "creating suspense" to describe the act of building anticipation or tension in a story or situation. For example, "The author is skilled at "creating suspense" through vivid descriptions and carefully timed reveals."

What are some alternatives to "creating suspense"?

Alternatives include "building tension", "generating anticipation", or "fostering unease", each with slightly different nuances.

Is "creating suspense" formal or informal language?

"Creating suspense" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and tone of the writing.

What techniques are useful when "creating suspense"?

Techniques for "creating suspense" include foreshadowing, withholding information, using red herrings, and varying the pace of the narrative.