feeling of tension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeling of tension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of emotional or physical strain or stress that someone is experiencing. Example: "As the deadline approached, I could sense a growing feeling of tension in the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

"There's this amorphous feeling of tension and fear".

The New York Times

One said the feeling of tension in the tiller was what he enjoyed most about sailing.

The Guardian - Travel

Either way, Mr. Williams will seek to capture the feeling of tension in the Capitol, where tempers are short and the speeches passionate.

The New York Times

The individual experiences a feeling of tension before committing the act and a feeling of release or gratification upon completing it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I can still remember the feeling of tension I used to get in my gut, anticipating whether a track was about to jump.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

There was a real feeling of tension in the air and I had to be careful what I said in public.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

A firmly based triangular image or group of shapes seems reassuring, even uplifting, while the precarious balance implied by an inverted triangular shape or mass produces feelings of tension.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His first composition as an American citizen, the Academy expertly controlled the piece from the hesitant, broken-up start to the final flourish, undercut with feelings of tension and uncertainty.

The Guardian

It can reduce your physical arousal the "wired" feelings of tension caused by spikes in stress hormones (adrenaline and noradrenaline) triggered by a brain that won't stop generating anxious thoughts.

Forbes

Glucose administration enhanced word recall in the morning for those with high 'susceptibility to hunger', increased feelings of calmness in participants with low 'dietary restraint' in the evening, and reduced feelings of tension for those who scored low on 'disinhibition' in the morning.

Appetite

The stress induction was effective in that the stressor impaired mood, including augmenting feelings of tension, anger, confusion and anxiety, reduced accuracy on a cognitive task measuring attentional control and the ability to regulate emotion, and increased salivary cortisol and pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β).

Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feeling of tension" when you want to describe a state of emotional or physical strain that doesn't necessarily involve open conflict or aggression.

Common error

While "feeling of tension" is acceptable in most writing, avoid overusing it in very casual conversations where simpler terms like "stress" or "worry" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling of tension" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting a subjective experience of strain or unease. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from describing personal emotions to broader social atmospheres.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feeling of tension" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a state of emotional or physical strain. As supported by Ludwig, it functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used to describe a subjective experience. Its register is generally neutral, making it appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic content.

Alternatives like "sense of strain" or "state of anxiety" can provide slightly different nuances, allowing for more precise expression. While generally acceptable, it's best to avoid overusing "feeling of tension" in very informal contexts where simpler terms might suffice.

Overall, "feeling of tension" is a versatile and reliable phrase for conveying a sense of unease or strain in a variety of situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sense of strain

Focuses more on the physical or mental pressure experienced.

state of anxiety

Highlights the anxious or worried aspect of the feeling.

atmosphere of unease

Describes the overall environment contributing to the feeling.

general apprehension

Emphasizes a sense of worry or fear about future events.

underlying disquiet

Suggests a subtle but persistent feeling of disturbance.

palpable stress

Highlights the noticeable and easily felt level of stress.

latent anxiety

Indicates a hidden or suppressed feeling of anxiety.

sense of foreboding

Focuses on a feeling that something bad is going to happen.

uneasy anticipation

Highlights the feeling of discomfort while awaiting something.

suppressed agitation

Emphasizes the internal struggle to contain feelings of restlessness and anxiety.

FAQs

How can I appropriately use "feeling of tension" in a sentence?

Use "feeling of tension" to describe a state of unease or strain, for example: "There was a "feeling of tension" in the air before the important announcement."

What are some alternatives to "feeling of tension"?

You can use alternatives like "sense of strain", "state of anxiety", or "atmosphere of unease" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "feeling of tension" and "sense of tension"?

While both phrases are similar, "feeling of tension" usually refers to an internal, subjective experience, while "sense of tension" can also describe an atmosphere or environment.

When is it appropriate to use "feeling of tension" in formal writing?

"Feeling of tension" is appropriate in formal writing when discussing psychological states, describing stressful situations, or analyzing emotional responses. For example, it can be used in scientific reports, news articles, or academic papers.