held in tension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "held in tension" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used in a figurative sense to describe a situation or relationship where two opposing forces are in opposition, creating a state of suspense. For example, "The two leaders were held in tension as they negotiated a peace treaty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"The question of where God was in the midst of this evil," she said, "is held in tension with the way God acted.

The New York Times

The steel columns that support the enchanting green roof of this parkland pavilion are so thin, they must be held in tension by long wire cables.

The Guardian - Arts

At Design Within Reach, she gravitated to the Tuuci Razor Shade Platform, an umbrella with an asymmetrical fabric shade "held in tension," she said.

The New York Times

In "Downtown Science," Ms. Fasnacht makes an edgy sculptural relief of cast rubber shapes held in tension by springs -- a struggle of organic and mechanistic elements.

The New York Times

To load his rifle, a soldier drew back the bolt, slipped the charger into position above the opened receiver, and pushed the cartridges down into the magazine, where they were held in tension against a spring.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Frame saws, in which a narrow blade is held in tension by a wooden frame, were exploited in many sizes, from the small carpenter's saws to two-man crosscut saws and ripsaws used for making boards.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Those are things you have to hold in tension".

The New York Times

I was diagnosed as someone who, while able to sleep practically standing up, was holding in tension.

Forbes

Fully reversed total strain-controlled low-cycle fatigue tests with continuously cycling, equal hold in tension and compression, hold in tension or in compression have been conducted at 850°C in air to study fatigue and creep fatigue behavior of nickel-base alloy GH4049.

International Journal of Fatigue

I have been able to hold in tension the fact that President Obama has been forced to govern from the political center (and in some cases right of center) due to the ridiculously partisan chicanery of those who claim to represent us in Washington.

Huffington Post

Both Hughes and the contributions to the book collection by a world-class group of policy-makers, presidents, tenured and adjunct faculty, staff, students, community and labor organizers, and public intellectuals hold in tension the challenges of the world as it is and the possibilities of the world as it should be.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "held in tension" to describe situations where opposing forces or ideas create a dynamic equilibrium or state of suspense. This emphasizes the delicate balance and potential for change.

Common error

Avoid using "held in tension" when merely describing two opposing things without the implication of a sustained, dynamic relationship. Opt for simpler terms like "opposed" or "conflicting" if there isn't an element of precarious balance or suspense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "held in tension" functions primarily as a descriptive element, often acting as an adjective phrase. It describes a state where opposing forces or ideas are balanced, creating a dynamic equilibrium or suspense. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's used to represent opposing forces in a state of opposition.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "held in tension" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich expression used to describe a state of balanced opposition or dynamic equilibrium. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, noting its frequent use in describing opposing forces. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, it conveys a sense of delicate balance. When writing, it's best used to emphasize this equilibrium, avoiding its application to simple oppositions. Alternatives include "maintained in equilibrium" or "kept in balance", depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintained in equilibrium

Replaces "held" with "maintained" and "tension" with "equilibrium", focusing on the balance aspect.

existing in equilibrium

Expresses a state of equilibrium or balance.

kept in balance

Emphasizes the balance aspect, using simpler vocabulary.

poised in opposition

Conveys a sense of balance amid conflicting forces.

sustained in opposition

Highlights the opposing forces aspect of the phrase.

suspended between extremes

Illustrates the idea of being held between two conflicting extremes or possibilities.

balanced against each other

Focuses on the reciprocal balancing action.

existing in a state of dynamic conflict

Expresses a situation with constant tension and opposition.

kept in a state of suspense

Captures the sense of anticipation or uncertainty.

maintained in a state of uncertainty

Highlights the state of unresolved issues or outcomes.

FAQs

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

You can use "held in tension" to describe situations where opposing forces are balanced or create a state of suspense. For example, "The conflicting accounts of the event were "held in tension" as the investigation unfolded".

What phrases are similar to "held in tension"?

Alternatives include "maintained in equilibrium", "kept in balance", or "sustained in opposition", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "held in tension"?

Yes, "held in tension" is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly to describe abstract concepts or physical systems in a state of equilibrium or suspense.

What is the difference between "held in tension" and "under pressure"?

"Held in tension" implies a balanced opposition of forces, while "under pressure" suggests a singular force acting upon something. The former conveys equilibrium, the latter, stress.