interpersonal tension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "interpersonal tension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe stress or conflict that occurs between individuals in a social or professional context. Example: "The team struggled to meet deadlines due to the interpersonal tension that had developed among its members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Maybe a certain amount of interpersonal tension actually enlivens the music-making.

The New Yorker

These offices can also increase stress, blood pressure, sickness, and interpersonal tension.

TechCrunch

In situations of interpersonal tension she protected her daughter, contacting the professor when Afërdita was bullied by her schoolmates or discussing homework with the teacher.

Comparative Migration Studies

The interpersonal field is related to social competence, such as interpersonal tension, interpersonal distrust, or positive interpersonal attitude.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

In contrast, the interpersonal field was related to social competence, such as interpersonal tension, interpersonal distrust, or positive interpersonal attitude and lower scores for this field indicate lower social competence.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This is savvy misdirection, given that the songs derive most of their force and feeling from interpersonal tensions.

The New York Times - Arts

Its members reunited periodically for live performances, but there were complicated and long-standing interpersonal tensions between Q-Tip and Phife.

The New Yorker

Through its capacity to create resonant symbols, art can diffuse interpersonal tensions and unite communities by clarifying common needs and goals.

The New York Times - Arts

A LATE QUARTET The members of a classical string ensemble — Christopher Walken, Mark Ivanir, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Catherine Keener — struggle to keep their professional alliance intact despite illness and interpersonal tensions.

The New York Times

Cooper cites Altman, Cassavetes and Malick as key inspirations, but clearly it's The Deer Hunter that casts the longest shadow – the bleak steel-town setting, the interpersonal tensions between taciturn men, the battle-scarred veteran now lost in the world of a deadly sport (Appalachian scrapping rather than Russian roulette).

The Guardian - Film

These women are less likely to stay with a partner: they have had less time to mature personally and to find a person with whom they are compatible, their partners are more likely to have weak financial prospects and a preference for traditional gender roles, and the presence of a child heightens financial and interpersonal tensions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing workplace dynamics, use "interpersonal tension" to succinctly convey underlying stress and potential conflict among team members.

Common error

Avoid using "interpersonal tension" to describe individual anxiety or stress unrelated to interactions with others. Use it specifically when the stress arises from relationships and interactions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "interpersonal tension" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing underlying stress in social or professional interactions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "interpersonal tension" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe stress or conflict arising from relationships between individuals. While relatively rare, its usage is consistent across contexts like News & Media and Science. Ludwig's analysis shows that the phrase is suitable for both formal and informal settings, typically used to describe underlying stress in social or professional interactions. Be sure to use it specifically when the stress arises from relationships and interactions, and not as a synonym for general stress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mutual tension

Focuses on tension experienced reciprocally between parties.

interpersonal conflict

Highlights the open disagreement and struggle between individuals.

social tension

Broadens the scope to tension within a larger social group or community.

relationship tension

Specifically indicates tension within a personal relationship.

interpersonal friction

Suggests minor conflicts and annoyances affecting relationships.

interpersonal stress

Emphasizes the psychological strain arising from interactions.

interpersonal pressure

Highlights the feeling of being burdened or constrained in interactions.

interpersonal strife

Indicates a prolonged and bitter conflict.

reciprocal tension

Underscores the give-and-take aspect of tension in a relationship.

individual tension

Refers to the tension experienced by an individual, potentially stemming from social dynamics.

FAQs

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

You can use "interpersonal tension" to describe strained relationships in various contexts. For example, "The project suffered due to the increasing interpersonal tension within the team."

What are some synonyms for "interpersonal tension"?

Alternatives include "interpersonal conflict", "social tension", or "relationship tension" depending on the specific context.

Is "interpersonal tension" formal or informal?

"Interpersonal tension" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone and audience. It is common in news media, scientific publications, and everyday conversation.

How does "interpersonal tension" differ from "general stress"?

"Interpersonal tension" specifically refers to stress arising from interactions and relationships with others, while "general stress" can stem from various sources, including work overload, financial problems, or health issues. They are not interchangeable.