intense suspense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intense suspense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or narrative that creates a strong feeling of anticipation or anxiety about what will happen next. Example: "The movie was filled with intense suspense, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats until the very end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Yet those small shifts of position provide an intense suspense and drama, as does the occasional sight of a whole face, turned up to the light.

The New York Times - Arts

Second, although narrative fiction is extremely effective at creating intense suspense, we rarely feel suspense in our daily lives.

SEP

Soft, sensual and filled with intense suspense.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The intense narrative suspense, Gothic-horror and Romantic passion of "Sonnambula" are related to currents that run deep in many of Balanchine's other ballets.

The New York Times - Arts

Compared with the intense tactical suspense of Richmond, where patience was a requirement as well as pure strength, Rio will be a "war of attrition", says Armitstead. "There will be bodies everywhere.

The Guardian - Sport

Instead, a routine proceeding in Federal District Court turned into a daylong series of events rivaling the melodramatic twists of a midday soap opera and the intense emotions and suspense of any jury trial.

The New York Times

The suspense was intense.

The Guardian

When the Mets hand one over to their bullpen, the suspense is more intense than in a horror film.

The New York Times - Sports

Shot mostly in the woods again, this film is a collage of short, often intense sequences that jump from horror to suspense to Dada to fairy tale, with the emphasis on horror as night falls.

The New York Times

Or so says Ruth Rendell, who subjects the residents of an apartment house in Kenilworth ("as dreary as only a London outer suburb can be") to intense psychological scrutiny in her morbidly witty suspense novel TIGERLILY'S ORCHIDS (Scribner, $26) before selecting one of them as her murder victim.

The New York Times

It deserved to be background noise Thursday, too: a fine day for the women's game when both semifinals went the distance and were long on intense, big-hitting rallies full of acrobatics and suspense.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intense suspense" to effectively build a feeling of anticipation in your writing, particularly when describing critical moments or pivotal scenes in narratives.

Common error

Avoid using "intense suspense" to describe situations that are already inherently suspenseful. Reserve it for moments where you want to amplify the feeling of uncertainty and anticipation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intense suspense" primarily functions as a descriptive element, typically modifying a situation, narrative, or feeling. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe moments that create a strong sense of anticipation and anxiety.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intense suspense" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a heightened state of anticipation and anxiety. While Ludwig AI validates its correctness, its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. Alternatives such as "heightened tension" or "profound suspense" can offer similar nuanced meanings. Employ "intense suspense" judiciously to amplify emotional impact in your writing, and avoid overuse in situations that are already inherently suspenseful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profound suspense

Focuses on the depth and significance of the suspense.

heightened tension

Focuses on the elevated state of tension and unease.

extreme anticipation

Focuses on the maximum level of anticipation.

acute anticipation

Emphasizes the sharpness and keenness of the anticipation, rather than the suspense itself.

overwhelming anticipation

Highlights the overpowering nature of the anticipation.

palpable anticipation

Highlights that the anticipation is so strong it can almost be felt.

deep apprehension

Focuses on the profound feeling of worry or fear about the future.

gripping uncertainty

Highlights the captivating nature of uncertainty.

pervasive uncertainty

Stresses the widespread feeling of not knowing what will happen.

acute anxiety

Emphasizes the sharp and severe feeling of anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "intense suspense" in a sentence?

You can use "intense suspense" to describe a situation or narrative that creates a strong feeling of anticipation or anxiety about what will happen next. For example: "The movie was filled with "intense suspense", keeping the audience on the edge of their seats until the very end."

What phrases are similar to "intense suspense"?

Alternatives to "intense suspense" include "heightened tension", "profound suspense", or "acute anticipation", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "intense suspense" a formal or informal expression?

"Intense suspense" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more commonly found in descriptive writing, such as news articles or reviews, aiming to create a vivid impression.

What feeling does the phrase "intense suspense" evoke?

The phrase "intense suspense" evokes a feeling of heightened anticipation, anxiety, and uncertainty about an impending event or outcome. It suggests that the situation is critical and the stakes are high.