grow tense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grow tense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone becomes anxious or nervous, often in response to stress or pressure. Example: "As the deadline approached, I could feel the atmosphere in the room begin to grow tense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

While the criticism is supposed to constructive, the feedback sessions can grow tense.

The New York Times

Some players grow tense, hesitant, the emotion of a whole season on the line.

The New York Times - Sports

Michelle never seems to raise her voice or even grow tense.

The New York Times - Arts

When I was a child and passed a certain shrine, I felt the air grow tense.

The New York Times - Arts

And if matters grow tense, if the Knicks' resolve wavers, it will probably be Stoudemire who pulls the group together and steadies them — "the one constant voice," as D'Antoni said, who keeps pushing them forward.

The New York Times - Sports

I'd grow tense if anyone said much about the book around them, and I took pains to keep my daughter away from my first signing, even though she wanted to attend.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

As its relations with the U.S. grow tenser, Venezuela is hoping to forge a deeper relationship with countries like Russian and China.

Forbes

The atmosphere grew tense.

The New York Times - Magazine

Things inevitably grew tense.

The New York Times

His fingers grew tense.

The Guardian - Sport

As night fell, negotiations grew tense.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grow tense" to describe a gradual increase in tension or anxiety, not a sudden onset. For instance, "As the negotiation dragged on, the atmosphere began to "grow tense"".

Common error

Avoid using "grow tense" to describe physical tension, like a muscle tightening. Use it primarily for emotional or atmospheric tension. Instead of "His muscles "grow tense"", say "His muscles tightened".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grow tense" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a process of becoming more strained, anxious, or fraught with tension. It describes a gradual shift in emotional state or atmosphere, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grow tense" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an increasing state of tension or anxiety, often used in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's most appropriate for describing a gradual shift rather than a sudden occurrence. While synonyms like "become strained" or "become anxious" offer similar meanings, "grow tense" specifically emphasizes the process of becoming more fraught. When writing, be mindful of the context and ensure the phrase accurately reflects the gradual escalation of tension being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become strained

Focuses on the relationship becoming difficult or damaged.

become anxious

Directly states a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease.

become fraught

Emphasizes the feeling of being filled with anxiety or stress.

become uneasy

Focuses on a growing feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

escalate in tension

Highlights the increase in tension, often in a competitive or confrontational setting.

get edgy

Suggests a state of nervousness or irritability.

develop friction

Implies a gradual increase in disagreement or conflict.

get uptight

Implies a state of being excessively worried or stressed.

reach a boiling point

Suggests a situation has become so tense it's about to explode.

reach a head

Emphasizes that tension has come to a critical moment or climax.

FAQs

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

The phrase "grow tense" describes a gradual increase in tension, anxiety, or strain in a situation, relationship, or person. For example, "The negotiations "grew tense" as the deadline approached."

What's a synonym for "grow tense"?

Alternatives for "grow tense" include "become strained", "become anxious", or "become uneasy", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "grows tense"?

Yes, "grows tense" is correct when used with a singular subject in the present tense, such as "The situation grows tense". "Grow tense" is used for plural subjects or in other tenses.

What is the difference between "grow tense" and "become tense"?

"Grow tense" implies a gradual increase in tension over time, whereas "become tense" can indicate a more immediate shift. Although they're largely interchangeable, "grow tense" often suggests a more protracted development.