mounting tension

USAGE SUMMARY

'mounting tension' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to an increase in stress or strain, and can be used to describe a situation which is becoming increasingly tense or emotionally or physically difficult. For example: "As the deadline approached, the team felt the mounting tension to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sometimes they represent triumphant achievement, after hours of mounting tension.

The New York Times - Sports

The mounting tension has empowered hardliners on both sides.

The Guardian

With mounting tension, they mutter or shriek that time is running out.

The New York Times - Arts

He remained concerned about the mounting tension between Christians and Muslims.

Independent

But he clearly sensed mounting tension and the potential for things to get a lot worse.

The New York Times - Sports

The mounting tension between Luke and his jailers, however, leads to tragedy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He assumes the role at a time of mounting tension between the United States and Pakistan.

The New York Times

Hoft and Wintrich, continuing to hone their questions about Castro, seemed oblivious of the mounting tension.

The New Yorker

9.39pm GMT Homage to Captain Phillips The darting camera, the mounting tension.

The Guardian - Film

The mounting tension between the Bostonians and British troops culminated in the violence of the Boston Massacre in March 1770.

Yale University

Mounting tension turned to violence as fearful patrons began throwing plates and glasses at the young insurgents.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mounting tension" to effectively describe scenarios where stress, anxiety, or conflict is progressively intensifying. It adds a sense of urgency and heightened stakes to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "mounting tension" when you mean "high tension". "Mounting tension" describes a state that is increasing, while "high tension" describes a state that is already at a peak. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the current state of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mounting tension" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a condition or atmosphere where feelings of stress, anxiety, or conflict are progressively increasing. Ludwig AI confirms that it’s a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mounting tension" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that effectively conveys a sense of increasing stress or anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, its meaning is consistently applied across diverse contexts, predominantly in news, academic writing and encyclopedias. When writing, remember that "mounting tension" describes a state that is increasing, and it should not be confused with the phrase "high tension", which describes a state that is already at a peak. Be sure to use "mounting tension" when you intend to convey urgency and heightened stakes to your narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

escalating pressure

Focuses more on the pressure aspect rather than the emotional or psychological tension.

accumulating pressure

Similar to escalating pressure, emphasizing the accumulation of force.

growing strain

Highlights the stress and burden that is accumulating.

rising anxiety

Specifically refers to an increase in feelings of worry and unease.

increasing stress

Emphasizes the build-up of stress, which can be physical or emotional.

heightening unease

Conveys a sense of discomfort and apprehension that is becoming more intense.

intensifying conflict

Describes a situation where disagreement or opposition is becoming stronger.

developing crisis

Suggests a critical situation is forming or worsening.

brewing trouble

Implies that problems are in the early stages of development, but are likely to escalate.

building anticipation

Focuses on the expectant feeling that is growing stronger, often before an event.

FAQs

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

You can use "mounting tension" to describe situations where stress or anxiety is increasing, for example, "The "mounting tension" between the two countries could lead to war."

What are some alternatives to "mounting tension"?

Some alternatives to "mounting tension" include "escalating pressure", "growing strain", or "rising anxiety", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the tension is mounting"?

Yes, saying "the tension is mounting" is a correct and common way to express that tension is increasing.

What's the difference between "mounting tension" and "high tension"?

"Mounting tension" refers to the process of tension increasing, while "high tension" describes a state where the tension is already at a very intense level. "Mounting tension" suggests something is building up, while "high tension" describes a present condition.