tension exists

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tension exists" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a feeling of strain or conflict present between individuals or groups. Example: "In the negotiations, it was clear that tension exists between the two parties, making it difficult to reach an agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

As mentioned above, a tension exists in Locke's philosophy between his political ideals, which propose the existence of a natural law, which can be known by reason, and his general commitment to an empiricist epistemology.

SEP

And yet, tension exists.

The New York Times - Sports

Even today, tension exists between modernization or Westernization and tradition.

The New York Times - Arts

Under the mayoral system a similar tension exists between London's 32 borough councils and City Hall.

The Guardian - Opinion

The same tension exists within the wider American government, Healey says.

The Guardian - Tech

Dr. Helmreich stressed that the same tension exists in other Jewish communities.

The New York Times

That same tension exists, to varying degrees, at every major research university.

The New York Times

(Read Lord Mandelson's excellent and overshadowed speech of yesterday morning if you doubt that this tension exists).

The Economist

Of course, an inherent tension exists between a news media that covets its access and a campaign that cherishes control.

The New York Times

On the other hand, it is a fact that tension exists between the two countries over the Senkaku Islands.

The New York Times

Tension exists not only in how the T-shirts were being made, but also why they were being made in the first place.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tension exists", ensure the context clearly defines the opposing forces or elements creating the tension. Be specific about the source and nature of the tension for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "tension exists" without clearly identifying what is causing the tension. Without context, the phrase lacks meaning and impact. Specify the conflicting elements to make your writing more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tension exists" functions as a statement asserting the presence of tension. Ludwig examples show it's frequently used to introduce a conflict or strain between entities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tension exists" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote the presence of strain or conflict, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Appearing across diverse contexts like News & Media and Science, it serves to acknowledge underlying issues and sets the stage for deeper analysis. While grammatically straightforward, ensure to specify the source of tension for clarity. Consider contextually appropriate alternatives such as "there is tension" for simplicity or "friction is apparent" for emphasis. By understanding its nuances, writers can use "tension exists" effectively and accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there is tension

More direct and simple phrasing, using "there is" instead of the more formal "exists".

a conflict is present

Replaces "tension" with "conflict" emphasizing disagreement, and "exists" with "is present" for a simpler expression.

strain is evident

Substitutes "tension" with "strain", highlighting the pressure, and "exists" with "is evident", indicating clear visibility.

friction is apparent

Replaces "tension" with "friction", focusing on the clash or resistance, and "exists" with "is apparent" indicating it's easily noticeable.

discord is present

Uses "discord" instead of "tension", emphasizing the lack of harmony, and "is present" instead of "exists" for simplicity.

a divide is palpable

Replaces "tension" with "divide", focusing on separation, and adds "palpable" to emphasize the feeling of tension is easily perceived.

animosity prevails

Substitutes "tension" with "animosity", highlighting hostility, and "exists" with "prevails", suggesting it's widespread.

contention is present

Replaces "tension" with "contention", emphasizing struggle, and "exists" with "is present" for simpler wording.

unease is felt

Replaces "tension" with "unease", focusing on discomfort, and uses "is felt" to emphasize subjective experience.

disagreement simmers

Uses "disagreement" instead of "tension", focusing on conflicting opinions, and "simmers" to imply it's ongoing and potentially escalating.

FAQs

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

Use "tension exists" to describe a situation where opposing forces or ideas create a state of strain. For example, "Tension exists between the company's need for profit and its commitment to environmental sustainability."

What are some alternatives to saying "tension exists"?

You can use alternatives such as "there is tension", "a conflict is present", or "strain is evident" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "tension is present" or "tension exists"?

"Tension is present" and "tension exists" are both grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Tension exists" might be considered slightly more formal.

What kind of tension is accurately described by the phrase "tension exists"?

The phrase "tension exists" accurately describes a wide variety of tension types, ranging from political, economical, social or emotional. If you desire to be more specific consider alternatives like "friction is apparent" or "animosity prevails" to be more accurate in your descriptive writing.