stands in tension with

USAGE SUMMARY

'stands in tension with' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to two ideas, values, beliefs or situations that are incompatible with each other. For example: "The belief that justice should be done in all cases stands in tension with the need for mercy in certain situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Here, Hispanic families' long-standing embrace of male breadwinning and female homemaking stands in tension with American progressivism's commitment to gender equality in the home.

The Washington Post

The political disorder they create stands in tension with the need for a more stable, peaceful form of collective participation.

The Guardian

But they do not know if he possesses the trait that is more important than intellectual sophistication and, in fact, stands in tension with it.

The New York Times

The barrenness of Sarah, cited in the preface (Genesis 11 30), stands in tension with the central theme of the Abraham saga, the promise that God will make him the founder of a mighty nation.

Britannica

This striking and unexpected divergence stands in tension with received wisdom regarding the relative embrace of contractarian ideas in each country, and the chapter offers reflections on why the observed trends, commonalities, and divergences may have arisen – including in the dynamic context of hybrid entities.

Columbia University

Apocalyptic dualism stands in tension with another value evangelicals hold dear: grace.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Once the police initiate force, limits on escalation stand in tension with the goal of convincing the subject that resistance is futile.

The Washington Post

Since we suppose that characters are unified in these ways, we are almost invariably surprised when it turns out that the different aspects of someone's personality stand in tension with one another.

The New York Times

Established in 1907, it was once the space where Jewish and Italian Americans gathered to listen to a very particular kind of jazz created from a cultural hybridity that stood in tension with the segregated world that surrounded it.

The Guardian - Arts

These structures of centralization stood in tension with the decentralizing force of local interests in the provinces.

Duke University

However, the tolerationism expressed in TTP 20 appears to stand in tension with the Erastian claim of TTP 19.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using this phrase to describe conflicting ideas or principles within a larger system or argument, emphasizing the inherent challenge or debate involved.

Common error

Avoid using "stands in tension with" for situations that are simply contradictory or mutually exclusive. Opt for phrases like "conflicts with" or "is incompatible with" when there is no nuanced relationship at play.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stands in tension with" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a state of opposition or incompatibility between two entities. It connects a subject with something it contrasts or struggles against. Ludwig confirms this with examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

32%

News & Media

32%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stands in tension with" is a valuable tool for expressing a nuanced relationship of opposition between two concepts or entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in academic, news, and scientific contexts. While alternatives like "conflicts with" or "is incompatible with" exist, "stands in tension with" is particularly useful when highlighting a dynamic and potentially problematic relationship. Remember to avoid overusing it in situations where simple contradiction is more appropriate. By understanding its specific function and register, you can effectively incorporate "stands in tension with" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is incompatible with

Emphasizes an inability to coexist or harmonize.

is in contradiction with

Emphasizes a direct logical opposition.

is inconsistent with

Suggests a lack of logical coherence or agreement.

conflicts with

Suggests a direct opposition or clash.

clashes with

Indicates a forceful disagreement or collision of ideas.

runs counter to

Highlights a direction against a prevailing trend or belief.

is at odds with

Implies a direct conflict or disagreement; more confrontational.

is contrary to

Highlights direct opposition or contradiction.

is in opposition to

Highlights a contrasting or resistant stance.

diverges from

Focuses on differing paths or directions; less confrontational.

FAQs

How can I use "stands in tension with" in a sentence?

The phrase "stands in tension with" is used to indicate that two ideas, beliefs, or forces are in opposition, creating a state of imbalance or conflict. For example, "The desire for individual freedom often stands in tension with the need for social order."

What are some alternatives to "stands in tension with"?

You can use alternatives such as "is at odds with", "conflicts with", or "is incompatible with" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "stands in tension with" formal or informal?

"Stands in tension with" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic writing, professional communication, and news articles. It is less common in casual conversation.

What is the difference between "stands in tension with" and "conflicts with"?

While both phrases indicate opposition, "stands in tension with" suggests a more nuanced and dynamic relationship, where the opposition creates a state of imbalance or ongoing challenge. "Conflicts with" implies a more direct and potentially irreconcilable opposition.