suspenseful close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suspenseful close" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a conclusion or ending that creates tension or excitement, often found in storytelling or film. Example: "The movie ended with a suspenseful close that left the audience on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating a sequel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Whatever one might think of linking the Hebrew strongman to suicide bombers, it does make for a suspenseful close.

The New York Times - Arts

The film is propulsive, barely stopping for breath.There are exciting chases, suspenseful close calls, edge-of- your-seat battles and adrenaline-charged set-pieces".

The Guardian - Film

The Homeric epic opens in medias res, already in the 10th year of the Trojan War, and it draws toward its suspenseful close with one of the most brilliant and counterintuitive epi­sodes in all of ancient literature, Priam's stupendously dangerous journey to the heart of the Greek camp to ransom the corpse of his son Hector from the Trojans' implacable enemy, Achilles.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But the suspenseful race to close deals makes it easy to lose sight of the actual business.

Forbes

But I understood exactly why people threw suspenseful, playful parties with close friends and family; everyone was waiting in anticipation to learn about this child they loved but who was still a mystery -- a grand possibility.

Huffington Post

When they were finished, Fabian Wullenweber, the director, said, "Because this is the last episode, every scene is very suspenseful, because we're so close to solving the case.

The New Yorker

It was the fourth-closest Heisman race and just as suspenseful as the award's closest finish, in 1985, when Bo Jackson of Auburn edged Chuck Long of Iowa by 45 points.

The New York Times - Sports

He told the audience that the Ohio primary, the day's most suspenseful contest, was "still too close to call," but he was already working to frame his potential loss as a win.

The New Yorker

And the finale was a satisfying close to a suspenseful and dazzlingly violent Fox series that may have gone on too long but never stopped trying to outdo its own best moments.

The New York Times - Arts

The suspenseful, disturbing and haunting "Up-Close," a work for solo cello, chamber orchestra and film that won Michel van der Aa the 2013 Grawemeyer Award in composition, receives its United States premiere in a performance on Monday by the cellist Kaori Yamagami, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and members of the International Contemporary Ensemble.

The New York Times - Arts

The picture runs its course smoothly enough, with a few amusing scenes and a whodunit plot that's mildly suspenseful, provided you don't pay very close attention.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "suspenseful close" to describe the ending of narratives, films, or events that leave the audience in a state of heightened anticipation or excitement. This phrase is appropriate when the resolution is both engaging and leaves a lasting impression.

Common error

Avoid using "suspenseful close" to describe situations that are not related to storytelling or performance. For example, it would be odd to describe a business deal's finalization as a "suspenseful close" unless it mimics the structure and emotional impact of a narrative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suspenseful close" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun (e.g. ending, finale) to indicate a characteristic quality. It highlights the presence of suspense or tension in the concluding part of something, similar to Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "suspenseful close" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English to describe an ending filled with tension and anticipation. As shown by Ludwig, it's commonly used in News & Media when describing films, books or other narrative experiences. While the phrase is deemed correct, it appears relatively rarely. Consider alternatives such as "tense conclusion" or "thrilling end" for similar meanings. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression follows standard grammar rules.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tense conclusion

Focuses more on the tension aspect, less on the resolution.

exciting finale

Emphasizes excitement and the sense of being the last part.

thrilling end

Highlights the thrilling aspect and the sense of finality.

nail-biting finish

Conveys a sense of anxiety and anticipation until the very end.

climactic resolution

Highlights the climax and the subsequent resolution of the story.

dramatic conclusion

Stresses the dramatic nature of the ending.

gripping finale

Emphasizes the captivating quality of the ending.

intense resolution

Highlights the high degree of intensity of the ending.

edge-of-your-seat ending

Focuses on the suspenseful and exciting nature of the ending.

satisfying culmination

Emphasizes the fulfilling and complete nature of the ending.

FAQs

How can I use "suspenseful close" in a sentence?

You can use "suspenseful close" to describe the ending of a story, film, or event that is full of suspense. For example: "The movie ended with a "suspenseful close", leaving the audience wanting more."

What are some alternatives to "suspenseful close"?

Some alternatives to "suspenseful close" include "tense conclusion", "thrilling end", or "climactic resolution". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "suspenseful close" formal or informal?

"Suspenseful close" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more commonly found in discussions of narrative media like books and movies.

What makes an ending a "suspenseful close"?

A "suspenseful close" is characterized by a high level of tension, uncertainty, and anticipation leading up to the ending. It often involves unresolved questions or cliffhangers that leave the audience eager to know what happens next.