tense competition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'tense competition' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is generally used in a more figurative sense to describe an environment or situation that is particularly competitive or intense. For example, you might say "The job market is a tense competition these days, with hundreds of applicants for even the most basic positions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

A mental lapse by an exhausted player after weeks of tense competition?

The New York Times

Amid the polite claps of fans and a tense competition, Billie Jean's brother, Columbus, won the first-ever best of breed for Russell terriers.

The New York Times - Sports

Most of the players would come from minor league affiliates and far-flung European leagues, grizzled skaters who could provide experience in a grand and tense competition.

The Washington Post

But it was Kim's spirit, apparent fearlessness and unbridled enthusiasm in the midst of what is usually a tense competition that captivated the galleries, his teammates and even his opponents.

The New York Times - Sports

It led to hundreds of ballot measures as citizens increasingly legislated directly and in tense competition with their own representatives.This special report will chronicle how such voter legislation stripped California naked, leaving it unable to respond to external shocks such as the current economic crisis.

The Economist

The selection of Mr. Meeks in a closed meeting of roughly two dozen Democratic district leaders capped weeks of tense competition between the Assemblyman and State Senator Alton R. Waldon Jr., a veteran Queens legislator who has raised considerable funds and had put together a formidable campaign organization.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Even at the most tense competitions, Chow can be found on the gymnastics floor, smiling wide.

The New York Times - Sports

This, at root, is the origin of the recent financial crisis.In increasingly tense international competition, differences in costs, wages and land prices are becoming less important than factors such as human capital, the law, market regulation and the environment.

The Economist

It turns the visceral quick turns of the original game into a tense strategic competition, as you move your lightcycles around the board, leaving smoked-acrylic wall-trails behind you.

TechCrunch

This weekend, while the country was watching the Mayweather v Pacquiao fight, there was another kind of tense, nail-biting competition taking place, this one using brains instead of brawn.

The Guardian

So despite repeated demands that we emulate Britain and criminalise the publication of official secrets, Stewart's tough test still governs the tense collaboration and competition between the American government and press.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tense competition" when you want to convey a feeling of pressure, anxiety, or high stakes in a competitive situation. It's particularly effective in describing situations where the outcome is uncertain and the participants are under stress.

Common error

Avoid using "tense competition" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement. Consider alternatives like "fierce rivalry" or "high-stakes contest" to prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tense competition" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "tense" modifies the noun "competition". It describes a competitive environment characterized by pressure, anxiety, and high stakes. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and provides numerous examples from diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tense competition" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase for describing competitive situations marked by pressure and high stakes. Ludwig AI analysis shows the phrase is most frequently used in news and media, but also appears in science and encyclopedic contexts. While not as common as some other phrases, "tense competition" provides a specific nuance, emphasizing the anxiety and stress involved. When writing, consider the context and avoid overuse by substituting related phrases such as "intense rivalry" or "stiff competition". Following these guidelines will help you effectively use "tense competition" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense rivalry

Similar to "fierce rivalry", but uses "intense" which is nearly synonymous with "tense".

stiff competition

Substitutes "tense" with "stiff", indicating a challenging or difficult competitive environment.

fierce rivalry

Replaces "competition" with "rivalry", emphasizing the antagonistic aspect.

hard-fought competition

Emphasizes the determination and effort put forth by the competitors.

strenuous competition

Highlights the effort and difficulty involved.

heated contest

Replaces "tense" with "heated", connoting strong emotions.

nail-biting competition

Emphasizes the anxiety and excitement associated with the competition.

high-stakes contest

Shifts the focus to the importance of the outcome.

close contest

Focuses on the narrow margin between competitors.

cutthroat competition

Adds a negative connotation, implying ruthless tactics.

FAQs

How can I use "tense competition" in a sentence?

You might say, "The tech industry faces a "tense competition" for skilled engineers" or "The election resulted in a "tense competition" between the two candidates".

What are some synonyms for "tense competition"?

Alternatives include "intense rivalry", "stiff competition", or "fierce rivalry", each carrying slightly different nuances of meaning.

Is "tense competition" formal or informal?

The phrase "tense competition" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

What's the difference between "tense competition" and "intense competition"?

While similar, "tense competition" emphasizes the pressure and anxiety of the situation, while "intense competition" focuses more on the degree or strength of the rivalry.