social tensions

USAGE SUMMARY

'social tensions' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It could be used to describe the political atmosphere of a certain time period or region. For example, "The 1960s were marked by rising social tensions between different races in the United States."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Social tensions grew, too.

The New York Times

As with Greece now, social tensions rose.

The New York Times

But social tensions were increasing nevertheless.

The New York Times - Magazine

Under a calm surface, social tensions are strong.

The Economist

Political and social tensions continue to bubble under the surface.

The Guardian

"Countries realize that inequality is contributing to social tensions and lost opportunities," Ms. Yu said.

The New York Times

These social tensions are unlikely to go away even if the economic climate continues to brighten.

The Economist

Many people who voted for Jobbik are former Socialist supporters.Jobbik has skilfully exploited rising social tensions.

The Economist

Nonetheless, rising unemployment and social tensions during her first term made her deeply unpopular.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In recent years, the gap between rich and poor in Kazakhstan has widened, heightening social tensions.

The Guardian

There have been associated social tensions, notably concerning discrimination in housing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "social tensions", provide specific examples or contextual details to illustrate the nature and sources of the tensions. This adds depth and clarity to your analysis.

Common error

Avoid attributing "social tensions" to single causes without acknowledging the complex interplay of economic, political, and cultural factors that typically contribute to such tensions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "social tensions" functions as a noun phrase that identifies underlying strains and pressures within a society. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where the phrase acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a state of unease or potential conflict.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

6%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "social tensions" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe underlying strains within a society. As Ludwig AI analysis indicates, its use spans across diverse sources, particularly in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. It serves to describe and categorize complex societal problems, typically in a neutral register. When writing about "social tensions", it's crucial to provide specific examples and avoid overgeneralizing the causes. Consider using alternative phrases like "societal friction" or "social unrest" to add nuance to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

social unrest

This alternative broadly captures a state of disturbance or agitation in society.

societal friction

This alternative emphasizes the abrasive nature of the relationships within society.

community unrest

This phrase focuses on the disturbance and agitation within a specific community.

public discord

This term highlights the lack of agreement and harmony among the public.

popular discontent

This alternative emphasizes the dissatisfaction felt by a large number of people.

civil strife

This phrase indicates a more serious conflict or struggle within a nation.

group animosity

This phrase suggests a strong feeling of dislike or hostility between different groups.

class conflict

This term highlights the conflict between different social classes due to inequalities.

political friction

This phrase focuses on tensions specifically arising from political disagreements or power struggles.

ethnic animosity

This phrase focuses on dislike or hostility between different ethnic groups.

FAQs

What are some common causes of "social tensions"?

Common causes of "social tensions" include economic inequality, political instability, cultural differences, historical grievances, and discrimination. These factors often interact in complex ways to create unrest within a society.

What's the difference between "social tensions" and "social unrest"?

"Social tensions" are underlying pressures and strains within a society, while "social unrest" refers to the outward manifestations of these tensions, such as protests, riots, and other forms of collective action. Tensions can exist without unrest, but unrest is almost always a sign of underlying tensions.

How can "social tensions" be reduced or managed?

"Social tensions" can be reduced through policies that promote economic equality, address historical injustices, foster intercultural understanding, and ensure political participation for all members of society. Open dialogue and conflict resolution mechanisms are also important.

What can I say instead of "social tensions"?

You can use alternatives like "societal friction", "community unrest", or "public discord" depending on the specific context.