tensions rise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tensions rise" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where conflicts or disagreements are becoming more intense. Example: As the negotiations continued without resolution, tensions rise among the parties involved. Alternative expressions include "tensions escalate" and "tensions increase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Tensions rise and fall.

Independent

Meanwhile, tensions rise and innocents suffer.

The Economist

Tensions rise when "new folks" move in.

The New York Times

When tensions rise, the gray zone inevitably shrinks.

The New York Times - Books

But as the dress rehearsals loom, the tensions rise.

The Guardian

When tensions rise, the music is often turned off.

The New York Times - Arts

But when tensions rise in Gaza, they happily hold parades in Sana'a, the country's capital.

The Economist

As political tensions rise, so does the potential for violence against the American presence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When tensions rise, the Chinese authorities have shown themselves well able to prevent any attempted uprising.

The Economist

The summer heat is also sure to make tensions rise, he added.

The New York Times

And as tensions rise and we accelerate preparations for war, the economy will improve.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tensions rise" to effectively describe situations where conflict, unease, or strain are increasing, whether in interpersonal relationships, political contexts, or plot development in storytelling.

Common error

Avoid limiting the phrase "tensions rise" to only dramatic or overtly negative situations. This phrase can also describe subtle increases in pressure or anticipation in everyday scenarios, not just overt conflicts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tensions rise" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating a process of escalation or intensification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively describes situations where conflict, strain, or unease are growing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tensions rise" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression indicating an increase in strain or conflict. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's commonly found in news and media, but also applicable in various other contexts. Related phrases include "hostilities escalate" and "conflicts intensify". When using "tensions rise", consider its descriptive power and avoid limiting it to overly dramatic contexts. Remember, the opposite of this phrase is "tensions ease".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Conflicts intensify

Focuses on the deepening of existing disagreements or struggles.

Disputes heighten

Indicates that disagreements are becoming more pronounced and potentially problematic.

Friction intensifies

Focuses on the increase in conflict or antagonism between individuals or groups.

Hostilities escalate

Emphasizes the active and potentially violent increase in conflict.

Discord increases

Highlights a growth in disagreement and lack of harmony.

Pressure mounts

Implies that increasing demands or expectations are causing strain.

Animosity grows

Highlights the increasing level of dislike or hostility between parties.

Tempers flare

Describes a situation where anger and frustration are becoming more visible and uncontrolled.

Stress accumulates

Focuses on the build-up of pressure and strain, often in a non-interpersonal context.

Problems worsen

Suggests that existing issues are becoming more severe and difficult to manage.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "tensions rise"?

You can use alternatives like "hostilities escalate", "conflicts intensify", or "pressure mounts" depending on the context.

How to use "tensions rise" in a sentence?

Use "tensions rise" to indicate an increase in strain, conflict, or unease. For example: "As the deadline approached, tensions rise within the team."

Is it correct to say "tensions raise" instead of "tensions rise"?

No, "tensions raise" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "tensions rise", where "rise" is an intransitive verb meaning to increase.

What is the difference between "tensions rise" and "tensions increase"?

While both phrases are similar, "tensions rise" often implies a more natural or organic increase, whereas "tensions increase" can suggest a more measured or quantifiable rise in tension.