tense feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tense feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of emotional tension or anxiety in various contexts, such as literature or personal reflections. Example: "As the deadline approached, a tense feeling settled over the entire team, making it hard to concentrate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

'Kriss Kross' came out of this place and had this real tense feeling.

Independent

It's a very warm feeling inside, but it's also a tense feeling".

The New York Times - Sports

"I especially liked that horribly tense feeling in the kitchen; I appreciated the reality," Ms. Lippert said.

The New York Times

"We are waiting, drinking from the rainwater... it's tense feeling, we don't have any idea what PNG will do to us.

The Guardian

"There's supposed to be a tense feeling of having no air". But, he went on, the quality of silence would vary from theater to theater; here you'd hear the rumble of air-conditioning, there the rustle of popcorn or coats.

The New York Times - Magazine

"There is a tense feeling that there will be still more problems with the subprime situation and a fear that things are going to get worse rather than better".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

A hospital superior is in charge of assigning cases, often traversing to tense feelings between the residents and superiors.

Wikipedia

Cinematographer turned writer/director Ziad Doueiri turns a novel by Yasmina Khadra into a riveting psychological drama that exams the tense feelings between the two cultures.

Huffington Post

Taking a deep inhale, and holding it in during a stressful thought or situation, can help to change the thought and calm the tense feelings.

Huffington Post

Klaus complicates the already tense feelings between Stefan and Damon Ian Somerhalderr) by revealing a bit of Stefan's personal life, then surprises Damon by asking for personal advice.

Huffington Post

Because that was the story, this story was what was happening in Leith, N.D. "There were a lot of tense feelings and anxiety and people were scared," Nichols added.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tense feeling" to describe both emotional and physical experiences of strain. For example, you might feel a "tense feeling" before a performance or describe a "tense feeling" in your muscles after a workout.

Common error

While "tense feeling" is acceptable, overuse can sound repetitive. In formal writing, consider varying your language by using synonyms like "anxiety", "apprehension", or more descriptive phrases depending on the specific context to avoid sounding monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tense feeling" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "tense" modifies the noun "feeling". It describes a specific type of emotional or physical state. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its usage in diverse contexts, supporting its grammatical correctness and versatility.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tense feeling" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a state of emotional or physical strain. While Ludwig marks its frequency as uncommon, its versatility allows for application across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While the Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's crucial to consider synonyms like "anxiety", "apprehension", or more descriptive phrases in formal writing to prevent overuse. Remember to leverage this phrase to add depth to your expression of subjective experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uneasy sensation

Replaces "feeling" with "sensation", emphasizing the physical aspect of the unease.

anxious emotion

Substitutes "tense" with "anxious", focusing on the emotional aspect of the experience.

nervous sentiment

Replaces "tense" with "nervous" and "feeling" with "sentiment", suggesting a milder form of anxiety.

strained atmosphere

Shifts the focus from personal feeling to the surrounding environment that induces tension.

fraught mood

Uses "fraught" to intensify the sense of unease and implies potential danger or difficulty.

stressful vibe

Employs informal language to describe an atmosphere filled with stress.

tightness in the chest

This phrase moves from emotional to physical sensation, pinpointing where tension manifests in the body.

restless spirit

Expresses a sense of unease and agitation, indicating a lack of inner peace.

on edge

An idiomatic expression indicating a state of heightened alertness and anxiety.

butterflies in stomach

A physical reaction linked to a state of nervousness and anxiety.

FAQs

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

You can use "tense feeling" to describe a state of emotional or physical unease. For example: "As the deadline approached, a tense feeling settled over the team", or "He felt a tense feeling in his shoulders after the argument".

What can I say instead of "tense feeling"?

You can use alternatives like "uneasy sensation", "anxious emotion", or "nervous sentiment" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "tense feeling" or "intense feeling"?

"Tense feeling" refers to anxiety or strain, while "intense feeling" describes a strong emotion. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.

Can "tense feeling" describe a physical sensation?

Yes, "tense feeling" can describe physical sensations like muscle tightness or discomfort, as well as emotional states such as anxiety or apprehension.