What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tense
Example
She was feeling tense before her big presentation. [tense: adjective]
Example
I am studying the past tense in my English class. [tense: noun]
Example
The atmosphere in the room was tense as they waited for the results. [tense: adjective]
taut
Example
The rope was taut as he pulled it across the river. [taut: adjective]
Example
The relationship between the two countries was taut due to political tensions. [taut: adjective]
Example
He had a taut physique from years of weightlifting. [taut: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tense is more common than taut in everyday language, as it has a wider range of uses and applications. Tense is a fundamental concept in grammar, while taut is a more specialized term used in specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tense and taut?
Tense is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while taut is more commonly used in technical or specialized contexts and may sound more formal.
