a considerable strain on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a considerable strain on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant level of pressure or stress placed on someone or something, often in contexts related to resources, relationships, or systems. Example: "The sudden increase in workload has put a considerable strain on our team, affecting our productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

There was a considerable strain on one at this time.

The Guardian

The growth of more than 100,000 new households each year placed a considerable strain on existing housing conditions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are expected to place a considerable strain on local electricity distribution networks, requiring charging to be coordinated in order to accommodate capacity constraints.

Harvard University

The MS Society's chief executive, Michelle Mitchell says: "Being misdiagnosed or experiencing symptoms that can't be explained can put a considerable strain on people's emotions and health.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, it puts a considerable strain on the workload of a vascular unit and requires a highly trained operator.

Journal of Vascular Surgery

The summons of the Thai chargé d'affaires to the UK, Nadhavathna Krishnamra, reveals that the police investigation has placed a considerable strain on relations between the UK and Thailand following the murders on 15 September.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

The tests showed that there was a considerable strain rate effect on the yield stress of the steel.

Journal of Constructional Steel Research

There is no doubt that in the early years this imposed a very considerable strain on their relationship.

The Guardian - Books

But the provision of such care remains a source of considerable strain on the District Nurses, 38% (n 157) reported "undue strain" in supporting the patient to die at home.

BMC Palliative Care

By opting for one big teenage Titan prison slap-bang in the middle of the country, families will have enormous distances to travel to see their loved ones, putting considerable strain on relationships with parents, all of which we know are crucial in rehabilitation.

The Guardian

The open proctectomy during HAL-RP requires the use of a ring-retractor, which causes considerable strain on the abdominal wound.

Diseases of the Colon and Rectum

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a considerable strain on", ensure the subject experiencing the strain is clearly identified to maintain clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid vague language that obscures what is actually being strained. Be specific about what resources, relationships, or systems are under pressure when using the phrase "a considerable strain on".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a considerable strain on" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a verb to indicate the effect of an action. It describes the impact of something placing significant pressure or difficulty on something else, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

34%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a considerable strain on" is a versatile phrase used to describe the significant pressure or burden placed on something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Scientific and Academic writing. The phrase functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb and communicates the negative impact or challenges resulting from a particular situation. When using this phrase, clarity is key: clearly identify the subject experiencing the strain. Alternatives like "a significant burden on" or "a substantial pressure on" can be used to provide similar meanings. With careful application, "a considerable strain on" effectively conveys the weight and difficulty experienced by the affected entity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant burden on

Replaces "strain" with "burden", emphasizing the weight or difficulty imposed.

a substantial pressure on

Substitutes "strain" with "pressure", highlighting the force or stress applied.

a heavy toll on

Uses "toll" to convey the negative impact or cost resulting from the strain.

a major demand on

Focuses on the resource or effort required, rather than the negative impact.

a large impact on

Emphasizes the effect or consequence of the strain.

a notable stress on

Replaces "strain" with "stress", indicating mental or emotional pressure.

a marked drain on

Highlights the depletion of resources or energy caused by the strain.

a significant challenge to

Shifts the focus to the difficulty or obstacle presented by the situation.

a considerable drain upon

This is a more formal and archaic version, replacing "on" with "upon".

a weighty imposition on

Conveys a sense of something heavy or burdensome being placed on something else.

FAQs

How can I use "a considerable strain on" in a sentence?

You can use "a considerable strain on" to describe situations where something is experiencing significant pressure or difficulty. For example: "The increasing demand has placed "a considerable strain on" our resources."

What are some alternatives to "a considerable strain on"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a significant burden on", "a substantial pressure on", or "a heavy toll on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "strain on" or "strain upon"?

While both are grammatically correct, "strain on" is more common and generally preferred in modern English. "Strain upon" is a more formal and somewhat archaic variant.

What's the difference between "a strain on" and "a stress on"?

While both "strain" and "stress" can refer to pressure, "strain" often implies pressure on resources or systems, while "stress" can also refer to mental or emotional pressure. Thus, "a stress on" might be more appropriate when discussing emotional impact, whereas "a strain on" is better for tangible resources.