suspense build up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suspense build up" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe a situation where tension or anxiety increases in the story, usually leading to an event or major plot point. For example: "The suspense build up in the scene was palpable as the murderer prepared to strike their unsuspecting victim."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In our sessions, he would ask me questions, I would answer them — and then he would tell me how to answer them: pause here; add this or that remark or aside; always seem to be worried, anxious; never answer too quickly, let the suspense build up.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A terrible suspense builds up in this book, as Lev's sentence nears its end.

The Guardian - Books

Hawkins juggles perspectives and timescales with great skill, and considerable suspense builds up along with empathy for an unusual central character who does not immediately grab the reader.

The Guardian - Books

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

What they say "Hawkins juggles perspectives and time scales with great skill, and considerable suspense builds up along with empathy for an unusual central character who does not immediately grab the reader".

The Guardian - Books

The suspense will build up to a climax and before the reader realizes it, the characters are in grave danger.

WikiHow

These discontinuities build up suspense, and make for many people's idea of a rattling read.

The Guardian - Books

Some singers try to build up suspense before their big hits; Ms. Clarkson sees nothing wrong with casually announcing them in advance.

The New York Times - Arts

Often their elaborate performances are parcelled out in clear-cut divisions, usually called fits or cantos, in order to forestall tedium and build up suspense by delays and piecemeal revelations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Twain's autobiography was meant to be a last stroll around the block, and to build up suspense and improve sales, Sam told everybody that he was writing one and that it contained material so explosive it would need to be embargoed for a hundred years.

The New York Times - Books

Wait awhile in the room to build up suspense.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "suspense build up" to describe the gradual increase of tension in a narrative or situation, leading to a climax or resolution. For example, "The film effectively used music and pacing to create a palpable suspense build up."

Common error

Avoid using "suspense build up" interchangeably with terms like "climax" or "resolution". "Suspense build up" refers specifically to the process of increasing tension, not the peak or the outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suspense build up" functions as a noun phrase describing the gradual increase of tension or anticipation. According to Ludwig AI, it describes a situation where tension or anxiety increases in a story, usually leading to an event or major plot point. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing narrative techniques and escalating situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "suspense build up" is a grammatically correct and conceptually valid expression used to describe the gradual increase of tension or anticipation. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate use in written English, particularly when referring to narrative techniques. Although not exceedingly common, it appears in diverse contexts ranging from News & Media to encyclopedic entries. To enhance writing, utilize "suspense build up" to pinpoint the increasing tension, and consider related phrases like "tension build up" or "rising suspense" for nuanced expression. Be mindful to distinguish it from climactic events, and focus on portraying the escalating tension effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tension build up

Focuses more on the increasing feeling of strain or pressure.

rising suspense

Highlights the upward trajectory of the suspense level.

escalating tension

Emphasizes the intensification of the tension.

mounting suspense

Suggests a gradual accumulation of suspense.

increasing anticipation

Shifts the focus to the expectation of something about to happen.

heightening suspense

Implies an active effort to make the suspense more intense.

growing unease

Highlights a feeling of discomfort or anxiety that is increasing.

developing suspense

Focuses on the process of suspense being created or unfolded.

intensifying anticipation

Stresses the increasing strength of the anticipation.

building anticipation

Emphasizes the gradual creation of a feeling of excitement about something about to happen.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "suspense build up" in my writing?

To effectively use "suspense build up", focus on gradually increasing the tension through techniques like foreshadowing, withholding information, and creating a sense of impending danger. This can be achieved through character interactions, plot twists, and atmospheric descriptions.

What are some alternative phrases to "suspense build up"?

You can use alternatives such as "tension build up", "rising suspense", or "escalating tension" to describe a similar concept with slightly different nuances.

Is "suspense building up" grammatically the same as "suspense build up"?

While both phrases relate to increasing suspense, "suspense building up" implies an ongoing action, whereas "suspense build up" refers to the process or result of increasing suspense. The choice depends on the specific context and intended meaning.

What's the difference between "suspense" and "suspense build up"?

"Suspense" refers to a state of anticipation or uncertainty, while "suspense build up" describes the process of creating and intensifying that state. For example, a story can have "suspense", but the author uses certain techniques to achieve a "suspense build up".