tense relations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tense relations" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a strained or uneasy relationship between two or more people or groups. Example: The tense relations between the two neighboring countries have escalated into open conflict.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We had rather tense relations.

The Guardian - Books

Some have tense relations, some see domestic violence.

The New York Times

"The tense relations between Gaza and Ramallah has been intensified.

The New York Times

The shooting has strained tense relations between the Texas authorities and the Mexican government.

The New York Times

And its recent shelling of a South Korean village underscored the tense relations between the countries.

The New York Times - Sports

A recent improvement in the two countries' habitually tense relations is now in jeopardy.

The Economist

That fight has been complicated by tense relations with the United States.

The New York Times

After years of tense relations and public recriminations, Conner and the club patched things up.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Grassley and Mr. Thomas have had tense relations for several years.

The New York Times

Mr. Richards said his sometimes tense relations with Mr. Jagger were, for the moment, smooth.

The New York Times - Arts

The moves put new strains on already tense relations between the countries.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing relationships between entities, be specific about the cause of the "tense relations". Providing context will enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "tense relations" as a vague descriptor. Always provide specific details about the source or nature of the tension to give the phrase more meaning and prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tense relations" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a specific kind of relationship characterized by strain, unease, or potential conflict. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tense relations" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe strained relationships. Ludwig AI validates this. Primarily found in news and encyclopedic contexts, the phrase serves to categorize and describe a negative dynamic between entities. To enhance clarity, specify the cause of the tension. While alternatives such as "strained relations" and "difficult relations" exist, "tense relations" effectively conveys the presence of unease and potential conflict.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strained relations

Replaces 'tense' with 'strained', highlighting the damage or pressure on the relationship.

strained ties

Uses the synonym 'ties' for 'relations' and 'strained' for 'tense', maintaining a similar meaning.

uneasy relations

Replaces 'tense' with 'uneasy', indicating a lack of comfort or security in the relationship.

difficult relations

Replaces 'tense' with 'difficult', focusing on the problematic nature of the relationship.

intense relations

Replaces 'tense' with 'intense', emphasizing a high degree of strain or involvement.

fragile relations

Replaces 'tense' with 'fragile', suggesting the relationship is easily broken or damaged.

delicate relations

Replaces 'tense' with 'delicate', implying the relationship requires careful handling.

sour relations

Replaces 'tense' with 'sour', conveying a sense of bitterness or unpleasantness in the relationship.

poor relations

Replaces 'tense' with 'poor', directly indicating a negative quality of the relationship.

unharmonious relations

Replaces 'tense' with 'unharmonious', suggesting a lack of agreement or peaceful coexistence.

FAQs

How to use "tense relations" in a sentence?

You can use "tense relations" to describe a strained or difficult relationship between people, groups, or countries. For example: "The shooting has strained "tense relations" between the Texas authorities and the Mexican government."

What can I say instead of "tense relations"?

You can use alternatives like "strained relations", "difficult relations", or "uneasy relations" depending on the context.

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

Both ""tense relations"" and "intense relations" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Tense relations" implies strain and unease, while "intense relations" suggests a high degree of activity or emotion, which may not necessarily be negative.

What's the difference between "tense relations" and "strained relations"?

"Tense relations" suggests an ongoing state of unease or strain. "Strained relations" implies that the relationship has been damaged or weakened, often by a specific event or series of events.