the tension between

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "the tension between" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are describing the feelings or dynamics between two people or groups. For example, "The tension between the two sides had been smouldering for years, but it finally erupted into a full-fledged conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The tension between these incompatible ideas remains.

The Economist

Hence the tension between the two.

The Washington Post

Also, the tension between Protestants and Catholics.

The New Yorker

It's the tension between the two.

The Guardian

The tension between them is electric.

The Guardian - Film

The tension between them is palpable.

The Guardian

The framework hinges on the tension between history and theory.

Harvard University

A photographer explores the tension between landscape and culture.

The New Yorker

Drucker does not deny the tension between context and logic.

Harvard Business Review

That is the tension between relevance and disposability.

The New York Times - Magazine

The tension between Spanish police forces continues in Catalonia.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the tension between" to clearly articulate opposing forces or conflicting elements within a specific context. For example, "The tension between tradition and innovation is a driving force in modern society."

Common error

Avoid using "the tension between" when simply describing differences without an implied conflict or strain. A mere difference does not warrant the implication of stress or opposition. Use phrases like "the difference between" or "the contrast between" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the tension between" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a state of strain, conflict, or opposition linking two or more entities or concepts. This analysis aligns with the examples from Ludwig, which illustrate its role in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the tension between" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote conflict or strain between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that there is a genuine sense of opposition or conflict, and avoid using it simply to describe differences. Related phrases like "the conflict between" or "the divide between" can offer alternative nuances, while remaining semantically close. Finally, this phrase is highly frequent in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the conflict between

Replaces "tension" with "conflict", emphasizing active disagreement or struggle.

the friction between

Substitutes "tension" with "friction", highlighting the rubbing or clash between entities.

the discord between

Emphasizes a lack of harmony or agreement, replacing "tension" with "discord".

the strain between

Uses "strain" instead of "tension", focusing on the pressure or burden affecting the relationship.

the opposition between

Highlights a direct contrast or resistance, replacing "tension" with "opposition".

the antagonism between

Replaces "tension" with "antagonism", emphasizing mutual hostility or dislike.

the dichotomy between

Focuses on a division into two mutually exclusive categories, using "dichotomy" instead of "tension".

the disparity between

Highlights a significant difference or inequality, replacing "tension" with "disparity".

the divide between

Focuses on a separation or gap, using "divide" instead of "tension".

the contrast between

Emphasizes the differences or dissimilarities, replacing "tension" with "contrast".

FAQs

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

Use "the tension between" to describe conflicting forces or strain linking two or more entities. For example, "the tension between freedom and security is a recurring theme in political discourse."

What are some alternatives to "the tension between"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "the conflict between", "the friction between", or "the divide between", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to imply conflict when using "the tension between"?

Yes, "the tension between" inherently implies a sense of strain or opposition. If you only want to point out differences, phrases like "the difference between" or "the contrast between" are more appropriate.

How does "the tension between" differ from "the relationship between"?

"The tension between" suggests an element of stress or conflict, while "the relationship between" is a more neutral term that simply describes a connection or association without necessarily implying discord.