tension

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'tension' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that can be used to describe feeling anxious or uneasy or describing a situation that involves a lot of hostility or conflict. Example sentence: The tension in the room was palpable as the two teams prepared to face off.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Lifestyle

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The tension was palpable.

The New York Times

Palace's players had arrived at the Amex for the second leg of the semi-final to find the tension in the tie had clearly already had an explosive effect.

The Guardian - Sport

For much of its first hour, Mad Dogs US seems overly preoccupied with underlining the tension between its leads in thick marker pen, making it seem less like a high-octane thriller and more like a sulky stag night.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Although Iran had developed its own version of the missile system – unveiled for the first time last year – delivery of the S-300s will markedly upgrade its anti-aircraft missile defences at a time of increased tension in the region.

The Guardian

Morricone revolutionised the way music was used in westerns, creating a wild west soundscape of gunshots, eerie whistling, twanging guitars and dissonant harmonicas that matched the unsettling heat and tension of Leone's parched desert landscape, and its heroes and villains, portrayed through long shots and close-up cinematography.

The Guardian - Music

Related: Biggest Women's World Cup to kick off in Canada amid surface tension At its heart lay a habitation soon to be named "Moncton".

The Guardian - Sport

With 10 minutes left and tension increasing, Stokes set up the substitute Callum McGregor, on for Forrest, but Bain made a decent save from the angled drive.

The Guardian - Sport

Out of power in Dublin and strategically outflanked by the DUP since the St Andrews agreement two years ago, the party might be tempted back to the strategy of tension, to use the threat of violent street protest to exact fresh concessions from the British government.

The Guardian

The comments, and the backlash against them, illustrate how a tormented racial history dating back centuries is in constant tension with the aspiration of a "rainbow nation".

The Guardian

Division means tension, choice - the things that stories feed on.

The Guardian - Books

Bilateral tension remained high until summer 2008, when the two countries fought a five-day war over the territory of South Ossetia, which ended with Russian troops occupying parts of Georgia proper.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tension" to effectively describe underlying stress, conflict, or suspense in your writing. Consider the specific type of "tension" you want to convey – psychological, political, physical – to choose the most appropriate word.

Common error

Avoid using "tension" when "stress" or "pressure" more accurately reflects the situation. "Tension" often implies an underlying conflict or opposing forces, whereas "stress" can be a more general feeling of being overwhelmed.

Linguistic Context

The word "tension" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a state of strain or stress, either physical or emotional. Ludwig AI confirms this, and examples from Ludwig show its usage in describing palpable feelings or physical forces. It can also refer to political or social unrest.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Lifestyle

10%

Film

10%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "tension" is a versatile noun used to describe states of strain, stress, or opposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions grammatically as a noun and is employed across a wide range of contexts, from news and sports reporting to literature and lifestyle writing. The analysis reveals its common usage in describing political, emotional, and physical strain. Common errors involve using "tension" when a simpler term like "stress" would suffice. Understanding the nuances of "tension" helps writers to effectively convey the intended sense of strain or conflict.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stress

Focuses more on the psychological or emotional strain experienced.

pressure

Emphasizes the external forces creating a feeling of strain.

strain

Highlights the act of stretching or exertion that causes stress.

anxiety

Specifically refers to a state of worry or unease.

apprehension

Implies a feeling of dread or anticipation of something negative.

unease

Suggests a general feeling of discomfort or disquiet.

friction

Highlights the conflict or disagreement between entities.

hostility

Focuses on the antagonistic or aggressive feelings present.

standoff

Describes a situation of stalemate or confrontation.

crisis

Refers to a critical point or turning point with heightened stress.

FAQs

How to use "tension" in a sentence?

You can use "tension" to describe a state of strain, either physical or emotional. For example, "The "tension in the room" was palpable" or "The "tension on the rope" was immense".

What can I say instead of "tension"?

You can use alternatives like "stress", "pressure", or "strain" depending on the specific context. For example, if you mean emotional strain, "stress" or "anxiety" may be more appropriate.

Which is correct, "tension" or "tense"?

"Tension" is a noun referring to a state of strain, while "tense" is an adjective describing something that is in a state of "tension". For example, you might say "The situation was filled with "tension"", and "Everyone was very tense".

What's the difference between "tension" and "suspense"?

"Tension" refers to the state of being strained or stressed, while "suspense" refers to a state of uncertainty or excitement as to what will happen. You can build "tension" to create "suspense", particularly in storytelling.