When someone says, “you are so tense!” or “you are so tensed!” do you know the difference and what they mean”?
Here are the example sentences and their usage.
Both “tense” and “tensed” communicate that something is rigid or tight, but it’s important to note how they are used in a sentence.
Are they used as an adjective or noun? Let’s take a look at the examples below. 
Table of Contents
TENSE as an ADJECTIVE
“Tense” as an adjective, is often used to describe an emotional state of anxiety or stress, but it can also be used to describe physical strain.
He is tense. He should relax more. = He is anxious or nervous.
Your muscles are tense. = Your muscles are tight or rigid.
That was a tense moment. = That was an anxious, uncomfortable moment.
TENSE as a VERB
“Tense” as a verb describes the process of something physically becoming hard.
His body tensed up. = His body became tense. = His body became rigid.
Squeeze and tense your biceps. = Flex your biceps.
TENSED in the PASSIVE VOICE
“Tensed” can be used as the past participle form of the verb “tense” in the passive voice. In this construct, it often describes a state resulting from the action of becoming tense, often relating to physical muscles.
His muscles were tensed before the jump. = His muscles were tightened before the jump.
TENSE vs TENSED: DIFFERENCE
O He is tense. = He is nervous.
O The situation was tense. = The situation caused nervousness.
O I feel tense. = I feel nervous.
X He is tensed. → “He is tense” would suffice. If describing the contraction of muscles, and not the emotional state, this phrase needs to be elaborated more.
X The situation was tensed. → “The situation was tense” would suffice.
X I feel tensed. → “I feel tense” would suffice.
👉 When you're describing NERVOUSNESS or ANXIETY, say, “tense” not “tensed.”
O During the exam, I tensed up. = During the exam, I became nervous.
O During an exam, I tenses up. = I always become nervous during an exam.
O She tensed up during the interview. = She became nervous during the interview.
O She tenses up during an interview. = She always becomes nervous during an interview.
👉 When you're saying someone BECAME NERVOUS, say, “tensed up.” The present tense, “tense up” is grammatically correct, but it may indicate a habitual action or something that happens generally, depending on the context.
TENSION as a NOUN
There is tension in your upper body. = Your upper body muscles are rigid.
There is tension in your life. = Something is bothering you in your life.
There is tension in your mind. = Something is bothering you and you're thinking about it.
There is tension in your eyes. = You look uncomfortable, anxious, nervous, or maybe tired.
Bookmark and revisit this post to remind yourself not to confuse “tense” and “tensed”!