tensions are escalating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tensions are escalating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where conflicts or disagreements are becoming more intense or severe. Example: "In recent weeks, tensions are escalating between the two countries, raising concerns about potential conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

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

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

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 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

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

Speaking to the BBC's Jon Donnison on Wednesday, another senior Israeli army officer from the Gaza division said: "As long as Hamas remains in power, it is only a question of time before there is another conflict". Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat also warned that tensions were escalating in the region, and that any Israeli attack on Gaza would only lead to further bloodshed.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tensions are escalating" to describe situations where there is a clear and demonstrable increase in conflict or strain, supported by evidence of worsening conditions or heightened disputes.

Common error

Avoid using "tensions are escalating" to describe situations where tensions are merely present but not actively increasing. Ensure there is a discernible upward trend in conflict before using this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tensions are escalating" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to characterize a situation where strain, conflict, or unease is on the rise. This is supported by examples in Ludwig, where the phrase is often found in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

General

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tensions are escalating" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe situations where conflict or strain is increasing. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is descriptive, often found in neutral to formal contexts like news and media. While alternatives such as "tensions are rising" or "conflict is intensifying" exist, the key is to ensure the phrase accurately reflects a dynamic state of increasing conflict, rather than a static state of high tension. Overusing this phrase in stable situations should be avoided. The phrase is most authoritative from sources like The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tensions are rising

Replaces "escalating" with "rising", indicating a gradual increase in tension.

tensions are increasing

Substitutes "escalating" with "increasing", suggesting a growth in tension.

conflict is intensifying

Replaces "tensions" with "conflict" and "escalating" with "intensifying", highlighting the deepening conflict.

situation is worsening

Focuses on the deterioration of the overall situation rather than just the tension.

strain is mounting

Uses "strain" instead of "tensions" and "mounting" instead of "escalating", emphasizing growing pressure.

friction is growing

Uses "friction" to represent tension, and "growing" to indicate an increase.

discord is spreading

Replaces "tensions" with "discord", suggesting a widening disagreement.

hostilities are increasing

Substitutes "tensions" with "hostilities", indicating a more aggressive conflict.

matters are deteriorating

Shifts focus to the general decline in conditions.

unease is deepening

Uses "unease" to represent underlying tensions that are becoming more pronounced.

FAQs

How can I use "tensions are escalating" in a sentence?

You can use "tensions are escalating" to describe situations where conflicts or disagreements are becoming more intense, such as "Tensions are escalating between the two countries, raising concerns about potential conflict."

What are some alternatives to "tensions are escalating"?

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

Is it correct to say "tensions are escalating"?

Yes, "tensions are escalating" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a situation where tensions are increasing or intensifying.

What's the difference between "tensions are escalating" and "tensions are high"?

"Tensions are escalating" indicates a dynamic situation where tensions are actively increasing, while "tensions are high" describes a static state where tensions are already at a significant level but not necessarily increasing.