things are intense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things are intense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is emotionally charged, stressful, or highly active. Example: "With deadlines approaching and multiple projects in progress, it's safe to say that things are intense around the office right now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Things are intense, so they become exaggerated when you go through the inevitable tough times teams go through," Epstein said.

The New York Times - Sports

Things are intense.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

So... this thing is intense.

Huffington Post

(I finally understand why all the Rocky movies spend all that time on those training montages -- Stallone wanted everyone to see how freaking hard he worked!) This kickboxing thing is intense.

Huffington Post

"Things are quite intense and we haven't got there yet," one insider said.

The Guardian

But things are pretty intense out there on the field and you can't help being animated when you become aware of certain goings-on".

Independent

BrightContext: Things are very intense in social TV right now.

TechCrunch

Kids get sick, kids fall down and get hurt, and all these things are really intense and really emotionally difficult ― and you hurt for them more than you hurt for yourself".

Huffington Post

Here the scale is reasonable -- you can actually imagine finishing the thing -- and the flavors are intense, drawing smoke from the grill and earthiness from a topping of wild mushrooms.

The New York Times

My sessions are intense, revealing hidden things from within the depths of my mind.

Huffington Post

"In all things she was intense: in her this characteristic was not a mere glow, dispensing warmth, but a consuming fire".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "things are intense" to convey a sense of heightened activity, stress, or emotional charge. Consider the audience and context to ensure it aligns with the desired tone.

Common error

Avoid using "things are intense" in overly casual situations where a simpler expression would suffice. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your communication sound overdramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things are intense" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that a particular situation or period is characterized by a high degree of activity, pressure, or emotion. As seen in Ludwig, it's often used to convey a sense of urgency or heightened stakes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "things are intense" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a situation marked by heightened activity, stress, or emotion. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in casual settings to maintain its impact. Related phrases like "the situation is fraught" or "the pressure is mounting" can offer nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

things are heating up

Suggests an escalation towards conflict or climax.

the heat is on

Suggests strong pressure or scrutiny is being applied.

the situation is fraught

Focuses on the presence of potential problems or dangers.

tension is palpable

Focuses on the readily noticeable stress or unease.

the atmosphere is charged

Emphasizes the emotional or energetic nature of the environment.

the situation is critical

Emphasizes the urgency and potential for negative outcomes.

the pressure is mounting

Highlights the increasing level of stress or expectation.

it's a pressure cooker

Implies a stressful and confined environment.

the stakes are high

Highlights the significant consequences involved.

it's all hands on deck

Indicates that everyone is needed to handle a difficult situation.

FAQs

What does "things are intense" mean?

It means that a situation is currently experiencing a high degree of activity, pressure, or emotional charge.

When is it appropriate to say "things are intense"?

It's suitable when describing situations characterized by stress, high stakes, or significant emotional investment. For example, "things are intense" during a crucial project deadline or a heated competition.

What can I say instead of "things are intense"?

You can use alternatives like "the situation is fraught", "the atmosphere is charged", or "things are heating up" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "things are intense" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in news or conversational settings than in academic writing.