thrill of suspense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thrill of suspense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the excitement or tension that comes from uncertainty or anticipation in a narrative, such as in literature, film, or storytelling. Example: "The novel kept me on the edge of my seat, capturing the thrill of suspense with every twist and turn of the plot."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But the shows and stars that are generating that prickly thrill of suspense and schadenfreude for which theater cultists live belong to a more dramatic category, one in sync with the prevailing American narrative of the moment, the kind that is woven for our delectation in celebrity magazines and on Web sites.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Her mad scene achieved a thrilling quality of suspense; her second act was exquisitely fragile, her arabesques showing the pitched forward torso that characterize period lithographs of the ballet.

The New York Times - Arts

And they were often placed in this peril by the very outlets that then shaped their resultant antics into thrilling, chilling tales of suspense.

The New York Times - Magazine

More Spills Than Thrills The lack of suspense might not have mattered as much if some of the marquee events had thus far produced more moments of not-to-be-missed excellence.

The New Yorker

He ingeniously forestalled the thrill of retribution, substituting psychological suspense for physical excitement.

The New Yorker

It had a lot of suspense and thrills, but it also contained a little bit of romance and had some paranormal scenes which I thought was amazing.

The Guardian

The master of suspense and psychological thrills, who made over 50 films in his six-decade-long career, would turn 113 years old if he were magically still alive today.

Huffington Post

If I immediately move on to that second season, do I sacrifice the suspense and thrill of finding out about the hatch just to keep my endorphins up?

Huffington Post

And the audience is supposed to tag along for what is obviously meant to be a thrill ride but which does little to make the heart race, either in terms of suspense or romance.

Huffington Post

You practically die of suspense.

The New Yorker

There is a cunning control of suspense.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thrill of suspense" when you want to emphasize the exciting and pleasurable aspect of uncertainty, often in storytelling or real-life situations. This phrase is best suited for contexts where anticipation and tension are key elements.

Common error

Avoid using "thrill of suspense" when you actually mean a sudden surprise or shock. Suspense builds gradually, whereas surprise is immediate. The phrase is more fitting when the anticipation is prolonged and savored.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thrill of suspense" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It describes a specific emotional experience – the excitement derived from a state of uncertainty and anticipation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thrill of suspense" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase accurately captures the excitement and anticipation associated with uncertainty, often used in discussing literature, film, or real-life scenarios. While versatile, it’s important not to confuse suspense with surprise. Alternatives such as "excitement of anticipation" and "gripping suspense" can offer nuanced variations depending on the specific context. The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal analysis and casual discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gripping suspense

Emphasizes the holding or captivating quality of the suspense.

excitement of anticipation

Focuses more on the anticipation aspect rather than the suspense itself.

edge-of-your-seat excitement

Emphasizes the heightened state of excitement and engagement.

tingle of anticipation

Uses a more physical sensation to describe the anticipation.

rush of uncertainty

Highlights the feeling of uncertainty that contributes to the thrill.

captivating uncertainty

Highlights the captivating nature of the uncertainty.

heightened anticipation

Focuses solely on the increased feeling of anticipation.

enthralling uncertainty

Highlights the enchanting and captivating quality of the uncertainty.

alluring anticipation

Focuses on the attractive and enticing aspect of anticipation.

palpable tension

Focuses on the tension aspect, which can be a key component of suspense.

FAQs

How can I use "thrill of suspense" in a sentence?

You can use "thrill of suspense" to describe the exciting feeling of anticipation, for example: "The movie masterfully captured the "thrill of suspense" as the detective closed in on the culprit."

What's the difference between "thrill of suspense" and "feeling of anticipation"?

"Thrill of suspense" specifically implies a sense of excitement derived from uncertainty and potential danger or negative outcomes, while "feeling of anticipation" is a more general term for expecting something to happen.

Are there any alternatives to "thrill of suspense" that I can use?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use phrases like "excitement of anticipation", "heightened anticipation", or "gripping suspense".

Is "thrill of suspense" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "thrill of suspense" can be used in formal writing, especially when discussing literature, film, or other narrative forms. Its suitability depends on the overall tone and style of the piece.