tension is escalating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tension is escalating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where stress, conflict, or anxiety is increasing over time. Example: "As negotiations continued without resolution, it became clear that tension is escalating between the two parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

After its first year, "Rugrats" won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program, but tensions were escalating.

The New Yorker

Civil rights struggles were under way and racial tensions were escalating.

The New York Times

She quickly became involved in the civil rights movement as tensions were escalating.

The New York Times

And tensions are escalating between the United States and Pakistan, with the Pakistani government refusing to grant the U.S. access to bin Laden's three wives, and the Pakistani media outing a man they said was the C.I.A.'s Islamabad station chief.

The New Yorker

Tensions are escalating dangerously in the skies over Syria at a time of deepening uncertainty over whether the Trump Administration has defined a long-term strategy and at a time when little diplomacy through normal channels seems to be involved.

The New Yorker

B1 THE ECONOMY -- Tensions are escalating between President Bush's domestic political team and his military policy advisers over whether the administration should turn more of its attention to pressing economic concerns.

The New York Times

But to foreign observers of U.S. dealings with international institutions and allies, those double standards have always existed, and with an administration that has cared little about international institutions and alliances, those lingering tensions are escalating.

The Washington Post

And tensions are escalating further: earlier this week, the Turkish government sent 25 F-16 fighters to an air base near the border with Syria and on Wednesday it forced a Syrian passenger plane to land in the Turkish capital, Ankara, where suspected military aid shipments were taken off the plane.

The New York Times

Even as President Bush asks Americans to prepare for a sustained war on global terrorism, tensions are escalating between his domestic political team and his military policy advisers over whether the administration should turn more of its attention to pressing economic concerns.

The New York Times

However, the country is going through a period of adjustment, Mr Kissinger said, and as a result, its leaders will be preoccupied with domestic issues at a time when tensions are escalating in the region over the sovereignty of the Diaoyu Islands (even the name is disputed, the islands are called the Senkaku in Japan).Syria, Mr Kissinger said, is likely to remain an intractable problem in 2014.

The Economist

Most culpable were the UN, which reduced its peacekeeping forces as tensions were escalating out of control; France, which turned a blind eye to what was happening; and the U.S., with President Clinton treating the reports of mass murders as if they were a plot to force U.S. intervention.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tension is escalating" to describe situations where there's a noticeable increase in strain or conflict between parties. This phrase works well in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "tension is escalating" when the situation is already at its peak. The phrase implies a process of increasing, not a state of being.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tension is escalating" functions as a descriptive statement, typically within a clause, to indicate a developing state of conflict or strain. Ludwig AI confirms it as correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tension is escalating" is a grammatically sound and widely understandable expression used to describe situations where stress or conflict is on the rise. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While versatile and suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it's most effective when accurately portraying a developing state of affairs. Remember to avoid using it in situations that are already at their peak. Consider alternatives like "tensions are rising" or "the conflict is intensifying" to better suit the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tensions are rising

This alternative is a more common and straightforward way to express the increase in tension.

tensions are mounting

This alternative suggests a gradual buildup of tension to a critical point.

the situation is deteriorating

This alternative focuses on the overall decline in the state of affairs due to increasing tension.

the conflict is intensifying

This alternative emphasizes the growing severity of the conflict.

the atmosphere is becoming more strained

This alternative describes the feeling or mood as tension increases.

the pressure is building

This alternative suggests an increase in stress or pressure, leading to tension.

things are heating up

This alternative is an informal way to say that tension is increasing.

the stakes are getting higher

This alternative highlights the increasing risks or consequences associated with the situation.

a crisis is brewing

This alternative suggests that rising tension is likely to lead to a crisis.

relations are fraying

This alternative suggests that relationships are weakening due to increasing tension.

FAQs

What does "tension is escalating" mean?

It means that the level of strain, stress, or conflict is increasing over time. It suggests a situation is becoming more critical or volatile.

What are some alternatives to "tension is escalating"?

You can use alternatives like "tensions are rising", "tensions are mounting", or "the conflict is intensifying" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "tension is escalating" in formal writing?

Yes, the phrase "tension is escalating" is suitable for formal writing as it's grammatically correct and widely understood. However, consider the specific context and choose the most precise wording.

How can I use "tension is escalating" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a situation where stress or conflict is on the rise, such as "As negotiations continued without resolution, it became clear that "tension is escalating" between the two parties."