expected tension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expected tension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing a situation or event where a certain level of tension is anticipated or predicted. Example: "In the upcoming negotiations, we should prepare for the expected tension between the two parties involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The White House dismisses the complaint as an expected tension caused by their desire to hold down spending.

The New York Times

It was a warm yet windy spring afternoon and the game began with all the expected tension.

The Guardian - Sport

I expected tension to be in the air because of the embattled state of headliners Church Whip, but I was met with a refreshing air of resilience and positivity.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

As expected, tensions are only getting higher in the Seven Kingdoms as "Game of Thrones" Season 4 approaches.

Huffington Post

Whereas one might expect tension in a theatrical culture with feet in both camps, the result is, instead, an acting community that has both worlds available to it.

The Guardian

"When couples from different religions or cultures marry they must expect tension... from their wider families and communities," explains the paper's social affairs correspondent.

The Guardian

It seems to be part of Eggers's project to hold back many of the traditional satisfactions of the novel: we expect tension, expect our characters' fates to be in the balance, expect dramatic rescues and reversals.

The Guardian - Books

Indian analysts, though dismissing the latest tiffs as routine, expect tension to mount in April and May, when the snows melt in the passes between the Indian and Pakistani parts of Kashmir.

The Economist

Chinese leaders, the report asserted, view this as a time to "focus on internal development while avoiding direct confrontation," although they expect tension, competition, and territorial flare-ups from time to time, and they do not expect the status quo, however satisfactory they find it, to last indefinitely.

The New York Times

Most fans also expect tensions to build because the first match is seen as the least decisive.

The New York Times - Sports

Migrants and the Greek authorities say they expect tensions to escalate as the deportation program slowly unfolds.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "expected tension", ensure the context clearly establishes who is doing the expecting and what is causing the tension. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "expected tension" when the tension is merely a possibility rather than a strong likelihood. Using phrases like "potential tension" might be more accurate if the outcome is uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expected tension" functions as a noun phrase, where "expected" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "tension". Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expected tension" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe anticipated stress or strain in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms this, and the phrase is primarily found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While not overly common, its usage is consistent and clear. When using the phrase, be sure to specify the source and cause of the tension. Consider alternatives like "anticipated stress" or "foreseeable friction" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anticipated stress

Replaces "tension" with "stress", suggesting a potentially higher level of pressure.

predicted strain

Substitutes "tension" with "strain", implying a force that could cause damage or weakening.

foreseeable friction

Uses "friction" instead of "tension", highlighting the potential for conflict or disagreement.

anticipated unease

Replaces "tension" with "unease", suggesting a feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

foreseen pressure

Substitutes "tension" with "pressure", implying a sense of being burdened or constrained.

predictable conflict

Uses "conflict" instead of "tension", suggesting a more direct and overt clash.

anticipated discord

Replaces "tension" with "discord", implying a lack of harmony or agreement.

foreseeable difficulty

Substitutes "tension" with "difficulty", suggesting a challenge or obstacle is anticipated.

projected antagonism

Uses "antagonism" instead of "tension", highlighting a more active and hostile opposition.

estimated anxiety

Replaces "tension" with "anxiety", focusing on the emotional aspect of the anticipation.

FAQs

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

You can use "expected tension" to describe a situation where tension is anticipated. For example, "The negotiations were marked by "expected tension" due to the long-standing disagreement between the parties".

What is a good alternative to "expected tension"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "anticipated stress", "predicted strain", or "foreseeable friction".

Is it correct to say "the tension was expected" instead of "expected tension"?

Yes, "the tension was expected" is grammatically correct and carries a similar meaning to "expected tension". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "expected tension" imply?

"Expected tension" implies that a certain level of stress, strain, or conflict is anticipated or predicted in a given situation. It suggests that the tension is not surprising or unexpected.