tension between

USAGE SUMMARY

"tension between" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe an atmosphere or relationship in which two or more parties are in disagreement or conflict. For example: "The tension between the two parties has been growing over the past month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is unexplained tension between the men.

The New York Times

Tension between Armstrong and Contador quickly arose.

The New York Times - Sports

The tension between these incompatible ideas remains.

The Economist

Tension between the sides has often resurfaced.

Independent

There was already tension between them.

The New York Times - Sports

There was a tension between them.

Independent

"There is a tension between these two".

The New York Times

There is a natural tension between them.

The New York Times

There's more tension between Anna and Bates.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Now that's sexual tension between friends.

The New York Times - Arts

There is a cruel tension between them.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tension between" to describe relationships where the strain is palpable but not necessarily expressed openly.

Common error

Avoid vague statements about "tension" without specifying its origin. Instead of saying "There is tension", clarify "There is tension between the marketing and sales departments".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tension between" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating a strained or conflicting relationship between two or more entities. As indicated by Ludwig, this construction is common and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tension between" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a state of strained or conflicting relationship. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is versatile and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, clarify the source of the tension between entities to provide a clear and informative message. While alternatives like "friction between" and "conflict between" exist, "tension between" aptly captures the nuanced state of unease or strain.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

friction between

Focuses more on the surface-level conflict or irritation that arises between entities.

conflict between

Highlights a direct clash or struggle between opposing forces.

discord between

Emphasizes a lack of harmony or agreement, suggesting a more profound disunity.

strain between

Suggests a weakening of the relationship due to pressure or stress.

unease between

Indicates a lack of comfort or security in the relationship, implying a subtle tension.

rivalry between

Highlights a competitive relationship, often with a desire to outdo the other.

opposition between

Emphasizes a direct resistance or antagonism between the entities.

disagreement between

Focuses specifically on a difference of opinion or perspective.

disharmony between

Stresses the lack of a pleasing or consistent relationship.

antagonism between

Implies active hostility or animosity between the parties involved.

FAQs

How can I use "tension between" in a sentence?

You can use "tension between" to describe strained relationships, conflicting ideas, or opposing forces. For example, "The tension between tradition and modernity is a recurring theme in the novel."

What are some alternatives to "tension between"?

You can use alternatives like "friction between", "conflict between", or "discord between", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "tension between"?

Yes, "tension between" is a grammatically sound phrase. It correctly indicates a state of strain or opposition linking two or more entities.

What causes "tension between" different groups or ideas?

Causes can include conflicting values, competition for resources, differing opinions, or historical animosities. The phrase indicates the existence of this strain, not necessarily its cause.