prevailing tension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prevailing tension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the dominant or most significant tension in a situation, context, or narrative. Example: "The prevailing tension between the two rival factions escalated during the negotiations, making it difficult to reach an agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Yet despite the prevailing tension, there is excitement in the air, Dr. Hawkins said.

The New York Times

However, with the prevailing tension and tendency to preclude RSPO mechanisms, the coordination survives only through interaction at a personal level.

Asian Journal of Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Listing these criteria serves as a corrective to the view that the prevailing tension between social solidarity and social welfare provision turns primarily on shared identity.

Comparative Migration Studies

If the prevailing tension does not subside, the weak link of communication between the government peace negotiation team and the ethnic armed groups could further be deteriorated.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Nevertheless, the relative contribution of each hydroxylase may be dependent on the prevailing oxygen tension.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

However, in the presence of indomethacin, the TCA cycle becomes commonly deregulated independently of the prevailing oxygen tension.

ACS Chemical Biology

Indeed, we demonstrated recently that expression of AlstR mediates immediate silencing of the transduced brainstem neurones following allatostatin applications regardless of the prevailing CO2 tension.

Cardiovascular Research

The National Salvation Front, the largest coalition of secular-leaning opposition groups, said it had no connection to the violence and blamed "Mohamed Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood group that he belongs to" for the "state of congestions and tension prevailing in the Egyptian society for the last two months".

The New York Times

The focal mechanism solutions indicated that earthquake activity within the dislocation zone is related to the movement along the NW and ENE to EW planes trending preexisting normal faults of a strike-slip component in response to the prevailing NE-SW tension.

Earth, Planets and Space

It can be seen in this calculation that the surface tension forces prevailing and the inertial forces are of secondary importance.

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics

Employing a style of rigorous simplicity, he evokes a prevailing atmosphere of neurotic tensions with sharp economy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prevailing tension" to describe a dominant or widespread feeling of strain or unease in a particular situation. Ensure the context clearly indicates the source and impact of the tension.

Common error

Avoid using "prevailing tension" to describe minor or localized issues. This phrase is best suited for situations where the tension has a significant and broad impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prevailing tension" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of unease or strain that is currently dominant. Ludwig AI supports this with examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prevailing tension" effectively describes a dominant state of stress or unease within a given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, though relatively rare in occurrence. Its primary function is to communicate the presence and impact of this tension, often in news or scientific discussions. When using this phrase, consider the scope and intensity of the tension to ensure it accurately reflects the situation. Alternatives such as "dominant stress" or "widespread anxiety" may offer nuanced alternatives depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dominant stress

Replaces "tension" with "stress" and "prevailing" with "dominant" emphasizing the controlling nature of the stress.

widespread anxiety

Shifts from tension to anxiety, highlighting the pervasive feeling of unease and worry.

pervasive strain

Replaces "tension" with "strain", indicating a force causing stress or difficulty.

underlying pressure

Focuses on the hidden or less obvious nature of the pressure, still impactful but not immediately apparent.

ambient stress

Similar to "prevailing tension", but focuses on the constant, background level of stress.

general unrest

Shifts the focus to a state of disturbance or dissatisfaction, implying a broader societal tension.

overarching conflict

Emphasizes the conflicting nature of the tension, suggesting a struggle between opposing forces.

atmosphere of unease

Highlights the surrounding environment and its unsettling quality rather than the direct tension itself.

current climate of stress

Focuses on the existing conditions, where stress is the key element influencing behavior and sentiment.

reigning discord

Highlights the lack of agreement or harmony, suggesting tension arising from conflicting opinions or interests.

FAQs

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

You can use "prevailing tension" to describe a widespread feeling of unease or strain in a particular situation. For example, "The "prevailing tension" in the office made it difficult to concentrate".

What's the difference between "prevailing tension" and "underlying tension"?

"Prevailing tension" refers to tension that is currently dominant or widespread, while "underlying tension" refers to tension that is present but not immediately obvious.

What can I say instead of "prevailing tension"?

Alternatives include "dominant stress", "widespread anxiety", or "pervasive strain" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "prevailing tension"?

Yes, "prevailing tension" is a correct and usable phrase in English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples from reliable sources.