suspense building

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suspense building" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process of creating or increasing tension and anticipation in a narrative or situation. Example: "The author masterfully employed suspense building techniques to keep readers on the edge of their seats throughout the thriller."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

I let them sit for half an hour, the mystery and suspense building.

The New Yorker

And the gamesmanship gets a little repetitive and confusing as Mr. Ives struggles to keep the suspense building and the mystery of Vanda's identity — and Thomas's psychology — elusive.

The New York Times

They don't require suspense building toward a crisis and denouement, because they hold our attention with the promise of revealing what is ordinarily hidden from view.

The New York Times - Books

There is a wonderful balance between Jaco's sections and Frank's, the suspense building as the two edge closer to each other as they cross the country.

The Guardian - Books

This subgenre of jocklit relies on the reader's selective amnesia, pages of manufactured suspense building up to a surprise ending already known to everyone.

The New York Times - Books

The slow and steady novel I became used to picked up its pace, with the suspense building as the ending approached; particular subplots tied-up in preparation for the sequel, others left after a cliff hanger ending.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

This blatant suspense-building may be a species of postmodernism.

The New Yorker

The first series of Homeland was a flawless exercise in suspense-building.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Daft Punk and its team orchestrated a suspense-building trail of hints about a new project with billboard ads and teaser minicommercials on TV.

The New York Times - Arts

The whole scheme is manna to a dramatist, but Jarrold's direction of the heist sequence was Hitchcockian in its suspense-building.

Independent

That weekly, step-by-step examination of elaborate murders is told in the suspense-building style familiar to fans of "48 Hours Mysteries" and "Dateline".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing fiction, use "suspense building" techniques sparingly. Overuse can desensitize readers and diminish the impact of key plot points.

Common error

Avoid resolving "suspense building" scenarios with convenient but illogical plot devices. Ensure resolutions are earned through character actions and established story logic.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "suspense building" is that of a noun phrase, often used to describe the process or technique of creating tension in a narrative or situation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correctly and usably in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "suspense building" is a grammatically sound and usable noun phrase that describes the process of creating or increasing tension and anticipation, primarily in narrative contexts. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears across various news and media sources. Effective use of "suspense building" involves techniques like foreshadowing and strategic pacing to create a gradual increase in tension, as well as to avoiding deus ex machina resolutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

building anticipation

Is a direct synonym, focusing on the process of making someone excited and is perfectly interchangeable.

creating tension

Focuses more on the act of creating tension, rather than the ongoing process.

generating tension

Similar to 'creating tension', but suggests a more forceful generation of tension.

crafting suspense

Highlights the skillful and deliberate nature of creating suspense.

heightening anticipation

Emphasizes the increase in anticipation, suggesting a build-up to a climax.

developing anticipation

Highlights the gradual development of anticipation over time.

fostering anticipation

Suggests a nurturing or encouraging of anticipation.

intensifying the drama

Specifies that the drama is becoming more intense.

escalating tension

Suggests a rapid increase in tension, potentially leading to a breaking point.

raising the stakes

Emphasizes increasing the potential consequences to create suspense.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "suspense building" in my writing?

Incorporate techniques like foreshadowing, red herrings, and pacing to gradually increase tension and anticipation. Delaying reveals and raising the stakes are also effective methods for "suspense building".

What are some alternatives to "suspense building"?

You can use alternatives like "creating tension", "heightening anticipation", or "developing anticipation" depending on the specific context.

Is "suspense building" formal or informal?

"Suspense building" is suitable for various contexts, including neutral and creative writing. Its formality depends more on the surrounding language than the phrase itself.

How does "suspense building" differ from simply adding suspense?

"Suspense building" implies a gradual and deliberate process of increasing tension, while simply "adding suspense" suggests a more immediate or isolated injection of suspenseful elements.