suspense

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "suspense" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of anticipation and uncertainty about an upcoming event or situation. Example sentence: I could feel the suspense in the air as I awaited the results of the election.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Suspense builds up until (*spoiler alert*) Mount Vesuvius erupts in a red column of flame, showering fiery rain down on the children and forcing them to flee for their lives.

The Guardian

This means that the first part of the drama is a police procedural with no suspense and the second a legal drama equally lacking in tension.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And thanks to the way it includes streaming and physical data, the official chart can still be the source of some suspense – in the week before Christmas, when Ben Haenow and Mark Ronson had both spent time at No 1 on iTunes, the official Christmas No 1 was unknown right up until it was announced.

The Guardian - Music

Toby Jones and Anthony Hopkins are going head to head in duelling biopics of Hollywood's heaviest heavyweight, the master of suspense himself.

The Guardian - Film

"The idea, the mere idea, of trying to draw and create suspense out of the question whether out of the shower head, gas is going to come or water … That, to me is unspeakable," said Haneke.

The Guardian - Film

That frisson in the air you feel isn't just the arrival of fall: that's suspense.

The Guardian

In fact, one element appears to have been lifted wholesale from the master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock.

The Guardian

I can see that this might add a bit of suspense to the story, but I'm not sure why I haven't pressed him for more information before.

The Guardian - Books

For those who can't take the suspense of the nail-biting British election, there's another vote this weekend with more certainty about it.

The Guardian

To add more drama and suspense, Les Bleus travel at the Reds of Toronto to secure a playoff spot, for the first time in its short MLS history.

The Guardian - Sport

After that, we'll have a general election, when we'll have to endure the campaigning and the suspense all over again.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "suspense" to effectively build anticipation in your writing, creating a sense of uncertainty that keeps your audience engaged.

Common error

Avoid using "suspense" when you actually mean surprise. "Suspense" involves building anticipation, while surprise is an unexpected event or revelation. Remember, "surprise" is the unexpected event itself; "suspense" is the feeling leading up to it.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "suspense" is as a noun, denoting a state of excited or anxious uncertainty about what may happen. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in this capacity, indicating its common role in describing feelings and situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Film

20%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "suspense" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a state of anxious uncertainty. Ludwig's examples confirm that "suspense" is very common, used across diverse contexts, especially in news, film, and sports. The term is grammatically correct and serves to build anticipation and emotional engagement, as validated by Ludwig AI. While alternatives like "anticipation" or "tension" exist, "suspense" uniquely captures the blend of excitement and uncertainty. Ensure you're using "suspense" to describe the feeling of anticipation, and not confusing it with the event that resolves it, such as "surprise". Remember, build anticipation by leveraging the power of "suspense" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anticipation

Focuses more on the positive expectation or excitement about something to come.

tension

Indicates a state of strain or excitement, often associated with conflict or uncertainty.

uncertainty

Highlights the lack of sureness or predictability regarding an outcome.

apprehension

Implies a feeling of dread or foreboding about something in the future.

anxiety

Emphasizes the feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something that may happen.

eagerness

Highlights a strong desire or enthusiasm for something to happen.

excitement

Focuses on the feeling of enthusiasm and thrill associated with an upcoming event.

thrill

Emphasizes the intense feeling of excitement and pleasure.

drama

Highlights the heightened emotions and excitement surrounding a situation.

cliffhanger

Refers to a situation with an abrupt ending that leaves the audience in suspense.

FAQs

How to use "suspense" in a sentence?

You can use "suspense" to describe a feeling of excitement or anxiety about something that is going to happen, like "The movie was full of suspense" or "The suspense was killing me as I waited for the results".

What can I say instead of "suspense"?

You can use alternatives like "anticipation", "tension", or "uncertainty" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "suspense" or "suspension"?

"Suspense" refers to a state of excitement or anxiety regarding an uncertain event, while "suspension" means a temporary cessation or holding back.

What's the difference between "suspense" and "expectation"?

"Suspense" involves a degree of uncertainty and anxiety about the outcome, while "expectation" is a belief that something will happen or is likely to happen.