extremely tense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extremely tense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, atmosphere, or individual that is characterized by high levels of stress or anxiety. Example: "The meeting was extremely tense, with everyone on edge about the upcoming layoffs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Kommersant's sources say that the situation on the peninsula is "extremely tense, but there is no reason for extreme alarm at this point".

BBC

Relations remain extremely tense.

The Guardian

"I was extremely tense," Malashenko told me.

The New Yorker

The mood, she says, was "extremely tense".

The New York Times - Magazine

Relations between locals and the police remain extremely tense.

The Guardian

Baghdad, even now, is an extremely tense place.

The New York Times

The town was extremely tense as we left.

The Guardian

The situation seems to be extremely tense and desperate.

The Guardian

"This is an extremely tense time," said Ibrahim.

The Guardian

He described the mood in synagogue as "extremely tense and antsy".

The New York Times

The three-week trial was extremely tense, and security measures extremely tight.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene or situation, use "extremely tense" to effectively convey a sense of unease or anticipation. For greater impact, follow it with specific details about the source or manifestation of the tension.

Common error

Avoid using "extremely tense" in situations that are already obviously dramatic. It's more effective when used to build suspense in subtle or unexpected ways, rather than stating the obvious. In cases where drama is already apparent, consider focusing on sensory details to build the emotion organically.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extremely tense" functions primarily as a pre-modifying adjective phrase, intensifying the adjective "tense". It serves to heighten the description of a situation, atmosphere, or individual, emphasizing the degree of strain or anxiety present. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "extremely tense" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe situations, atmospheres, or individuals characterized by a high degree of strain or anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and versatile. It frequently appears in news and media contexts to depict fraught or uncertain scenarios, but can also be found in wiki and formal settings. To maximize its impact, avoid overuse in already dramatic contexts, and instead use it to build suspense subtly. Consider alternatives like "very strained" or "highly stressful" to fine-tune the specific nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very strained

Changes the intensifier, reducing the overall level of tension implied.

highly stressful

Shifts the focus to the cause of the tension, emphasizing the stress involved.

incredibly anxious

Focuses on the emotional state of anxiety rather than the situation's tension.

fraught with anxiety

Emphasizes the presence of anxiety as a key characteristic of the situation.

on edge

A more informal way to describe a state of being tense and nervous.

charged atmosphere

Focuses on the atmosphere being filled with tension.

brimming with unease

Highlights the feeling of unease and discomfort.

under immense pressure

Focuses on the pressure contributing to the tense situation.

filled with apprehension

Highlights the feeling of fearful anticipation.

thick with anticipation

Emphasizes the feeling of expectation and suspense that creates tension.

FAQs

How can I use "extremely tense" in a sentence?

You can use "extremely tense" to describe a situation, a person's emotional state, or an atmosphere. For example, "The negotiations were "extremely tense" due to the high stakes".

What are some alternatives to "extremely tense"?

Some alternatives include "very strained", "highly stressful", or "incredibly anxious", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "extremely tense"?

While grammatically correct, "extremely tense" might be too strong in some contexts. Consider the overall tone and the specific situation to determine if a milder phrase like "somewhat tense" or "slightly strained" might be more suitable.

What makes a situation "extremely tense"?

A situation becomes "extremely tense" when there's high emotional stakes, potential for conflict, or a significant amount of uncertainty. It can be characterized by nervousness, anxiety, and a feeling of unease.