very tense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very tense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, atmosphere, or emotional state that is filled with anxiety or stress. Example: "The meeting was very tense, with everyone on edge about the upcoming layoffs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Very tense.

The New York Times

It's very tense here, very tense.

The New York Times

I became very tense.

The New Yorker

It is very tense.

Independent

He was very tense.

The Washington Post

"It's very very tense.

The Guardian

"It was very tense.

The New York Times

"But it's very tense".

The New York Times

Very tense stuff still.

The Guardian - Sport

Now I was very tense.

The New York Times

And so very tense.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very tense", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternatives like "strained" or "anxious" may be more precise depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "very" to intensify adjectives. Instead, choose stronger, more descriptive words that inherently convey intensity. For instance, instead of "very tense", consider "strained", "fraught", or "anxious".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very tense" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of heightened stress, anxiety, or strain. Ludwig's examples show its usage in describing situations, atmospheres, and individuals. According to Ludwig AI, this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

15%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "very tense" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a state of heightened stress or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts. While versatile, remember to consider more nuanced alternatives like "strained" or "anxious" for greater precision. Be mindful of overuse of the intensifier "very" and strive for stronger, more descriptive language where appropriate. As shown in Ludwig's analysis, "very tense" appears most frequently in News & Media, illustrating its relevance in conveying real-world situations of unease and conflict.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on edge

Describes a state of being nervous and easily agitated.

extremely strained

Emphasizes the breakdown or weakening of relationships or situations due to tension.

highly stressful

Focuses on the stress-inducing nature of a situation or event.

fraught with anxiety

Highlights the presence of significant worry and stress.

highly strung

Implies a nervous or anxious disposition, often more personal than situational.

under pressure

Indicates a situation where someone is experiencing significant stress due to external demands.

very uneasy

Suggests a feeling of discomfort and apprehension.

incredibly anxious

Directly relates to a state of worry and unease.

charged atmosphere

Refers to an environment filled with unspoken tension or potential conflict.

highly volatile

Suggests a situation that is unstable and could change rapidly.

FAQs

How can I use "very tense" in a sentence?

You can use "very tense" to describe situations, atmospheres, or individuals experiencing heightened anxiety or stress. For example, "The negotiation was "very tense" as both sides refused to compromise."

What are some alternatives to saying "very tense"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "extremely strained", "highly strung", or "incredibly anxious" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "very tense" formal or informal?

"Very tense" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for very formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "highly stressful" or "fraught with anxiety".

What's the difference between "very tense" and "slightly tense"?

"Very tense" indicates a high degree of stress or anxiety, while "slightly tense" suggests a milder, less intense feeling. The choice depends on the specific level of tension you want to convey.