tense period

USAGE SUMMARY

"tense period" is a perfectly valid phrase in English.
You can use it to refer to a period of time in which people feel tense or anxious, or during which a difficult situation is ongoing. For example, "The negotiations between the two countries have been ongoing for a tense period of time, with no clear resolution in sight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

During this tense period, there was an important meeting.

The Guardian - Opinion

But "we've just come out of a very tense period," he said.

The New York Times

That set off a tense period marked by strong anti-American public sentiment here.

The New York Times

Even during this tense period, Mr. Macklowe often interrupts an interview with jokes.

The New York Times

That tense period culminated in her confrontation with Ms. Ebers-Franckowiak.

The New York Times

It is a delicate, tense period because some people are having a hard time getting used to it.

University of California, Berkeley

Which is why we are entering the most constitutionally tense period in British history since the second world war.

The Guardian - Opinion

Founded in the late 1960s, after a tense period of "konfrontasi" by Indonesia, it succeeded in integrating the archipelagic giant.

The Economist

They likened the current situation to the tense period that existed between the autumn of 1978, when Israel and Egypt reached an accord at Camp David.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The videos open a window onto the challenges still faced by Iraq's athletes, even as years of war give way to a tense period of relative calm.

The New York Times

All of this means Europe faces a tense period of reshaping that will severely test its Nobel-recognized powers of building peace and prosperity on a fractious continent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events of the past use past simple to describe the events that occurred during the "tense period".

Common error

Avoid using "tense period" without providing specific details about what made the period tense. Be sure to provide context and specific situations to provide an accurate representation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tense period" functions as a noun phrase acting as an adverbial modifier of time, specifying when an event or situation occurred. As Ludwig AI correctly points out, it is used to describe a specific duration marked by heightened anxiety, uncertainty, or conflict.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tense period" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier to describe a time marked by heightened anxiety, conflict, or uncertainty. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though most commonly found in news and academic sources. When using this phrase, ensure you provide enough context to make it clear what made the period “tense”. Alternatives like "anxious time" or "difficult phase" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trying time

Emphasizes the stressful and challenging nature of the period.

anxious time

Focuses more on the emotional state of anxiety during the period.

difficult phase

Highlights the challenges and hardships experienced.

heightened tensions

Highlights the intensification of stress and strain.

critical juncture

Emphasizes the importance and decisiveness of the period.

uneasy interval

Focuses on the lack of comfort and potential for problems.

precarious moment

Stresses the instability and risk involved.

volatile moment

Highlights the potential for sudden and dramatic changes.

sensitive stage

Highlights the need for careful handling and consideration.

charged atmosphere

Shifts the focus from time to the feeling and mood present.

FAQs

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

Use "tense period" to describe a time marked by heightened anxiety, conflict, or uncertainty. For example, "The negotiations between the two countries marked a "tense period" in their relationship."

What are some alternatives to saying "tense period"?

You can use alternatives like "anxious time", "critical juncture", or "difficult phase" depending on the context.

Is "tense period" formal or informal language?

"Tense period" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's most common in news, academic, and professional writing.

How does ""tense period"" differ from "stressful period"?

"Tense period" emphasizes the heightened anxiety and potential for conflict, while "stressful period" focuses more on the burden and pressure experienced during that time.