a strain on

USAGE SUMMARY

"a strain on" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is causing difficulty, pressure, or tension. You can use it in a sentence whenever you want to describe a situation or action that is causing strain or stress on someone or something. Example: The constant financial problems were putting a strain on their marriage.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a strain on one person-a young person, too.

BMC Public Health

It's a strain on me.

The New Yorker

There's always a strain on it.

Independent

It puts a strain on your joints.

The New York Times - Sports

This places a strain on government budgets.

The New York Times

This puts a strain on the relationship.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Obviously, it's put a strain on our friendship".

The New York Times - Sports

It isn't migrants who put a strain on our NHS..

The Guardian

This typically puts quite a strain on the workers' representatives".

The Guardian - Business

It was such a strain on my voice box".

The Guardian - Film

Now, it's not actually a strain on the college.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a strain on", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being strained and the source of the strain for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a strain on" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where there is a significant negative impact or pressure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strain on" primarily functions as a noun phrase that acts as a predicate nominative or object of a preposition. It typically follows a verb like 'put', 'place', or 'be' to describe something that is causing difficulty, pressure, or tension. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a correct and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

5%

Huffington Post

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a strain on" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to express that something is causing difficulty, pressure, or tension. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted. It appears most frequently in News & Media contexts but is also present in scientific and more formal business writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the cause and object of the strain are clear. Consider alternatives like "a burden on" or "a pressure on" for nuanced meanings. Be mindful of the intensity implied by the phrase, reserving it for situations with significant impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a burden on

This alternative emphasizes the weight or responsibility caused by something.

a pressure on

This alternative highlights the sense of being forced or urged in a particular direction.

a stress on

This alternative focuses on the mental or emotional tension created by something.

a drain on

This alternative suggests a gradual depletion of resources or energy.

a difficulty for

This alternative is a more general way to indicate something that causes problems or challenges.

a challenge to

This alternative highlights the demanding or testing nature of something.

an imposition on

This alternative suggests something being unfairly placed or forced upon someone or something.

a tax on

This alternative implies a cost or sacrifice, often financial, associated with something.

a test for

This alternative emphasizes the act of evaluating something capabilities.

a handicap for

This alternative suggests something has a disadvantage or obstacle.

FAQs

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

You can use "a strain on" to describe something that is causing difficulty, stress, or pressure. For example, "The increased workload is putting "a strain on" our resources".

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

"A burden on" often implies a heavy load or responsibility, while "a strain on" suggests pressure or tension that may lead to damage or exhaustion. Both can overlap, but "a strain on" highlights the potential for negative consequences.

Are there any formal alternatives to "a strain on"?

In formal contexts, you might consider using phrases like "a pressure on", "a challenge to", or "an imposition on" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Can "a strain on" be used to describe physical conditions?

Yes, "a strain on" can describe physical conditions, such as "The injury put "a strain on" his back". It indicates that something is causing physical stress or tension.