alleviating the strain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alleviating the strain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of reducing stress, pressure, or difficulty in a particular situation. Example: "The new policies are aimed at alleviating the strain on employees during peak work hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It alleviates the strain on consumers' pockets".

The New York Times

As parties gear up for 2015, Labour has promised to alleviate the strain on hard-working parents with an increase in state-funded childcare.

The Guardian

To alleviate the strain on the city, Wittenberg canceled several prerace events, but the Javits Convention Center would open as planned on Thursday so runners could pick up their numbers.

The New York Times - Sports

As pressure mounts to alleviate the strain on our ailing health system, as our economy continues to falter and as the demand for safe, healthy and affordable travel options builds, now could be the time for action.

The Guardian - Opinion

This regional integration could accelerate the creation of regional peacekeeping forces, which could alleviate the strain on American forces in Iraq and the international forces in Afghanistan, as well as to stabilize Colombia and Indonesia.

The New York Times

The outward flow of people alleviated the strain on local resources (notably housing, water supplies, and food production) while boosting many families' incomes with remittances of cash and consumer goods.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The financial pressure on Wilpon will now continue to mount, and his preference to sell 20 to 25 percent of the Mets to alleviate the strain, a plan that he announced a week ago, may not turn out to be enough of a remedy.

The New York Times

Well, unless Verizon gets the iPhone and alleviates the strain on AT&T.

TechCrunch

Another method some organizations use to alleviate the strain on personnel is to use so-called automated solutions to supplement a sparse security team.

TechCrunch

The flexible aCNT network can alleviate the strain from the MnO2 volume change and maintain the electrode integrity during rapid charge/discharge.

Carbon

The Treasury has asked for broad powers and little oversight to buy mortgage-related assets from U.S. banks over the next two years to alleviate the strain on the lending markets, which are choked with bad assets.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "alleviating the strain" when you want to emphasize reducing a burden or pressure that is causing difficulty or hardship. It's particularly effective when discussing systemic issues or long-term challenges.

Common error

While grammatically sound, avoid using "alleviating the strain" in very casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "making it easier" or "helping out" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alleviating the strain" functions as a verbal phrase, specifically a present participle phrase. It often acts as a modifier, describing how something is reducing pressure or difficulty in a given situation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "alleviating the strain" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that describes the action of reducing pressure or burden. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is suitable for written English. While it is versatile, it's best suited for neutral to professional contexts, focusing on systemic or long-term challenges rather than immediate personal stresses. Alternative phrases such as "relieving the pressure" or "easing the burden" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. Although lacking exact examples in Ludwig's database, its structure and meaning are well-established in English usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relieving the pressure

Direct synonym focusing on pressure reduction.

reducing the pressure

Changes the wording to focus on pressure instead of strain.

easing the burden

Focuses on the concept of a burden being made lighter.

lessening the load

Emphasizes a reduction in the amount of something carried or endured.

mitigating the stress

Highlights the reduction of stress in a situation.

softening the impact

Focuses on reducing the negative effects of a particular event or situation.

lightening the weight

Uses the metaphor of weight to describe the reduction of difficulty.

diminishing the tension

Highlights the reduction of tension in a strained situation.

ameliorating the difficulty

Formal alternative focusing on improving a difficult situation.

allaying the concern

Addresses the reduction of worry or concern related to the strain.

FAQs

How can I use "alleviating the strain" in a sentence?

You can use "alleviating the strain" to describe actions or policies that reduce pressure or burden in various contexts. For example, "The new policies are aimed at "reducing the burden" on small businesses."

What are some alternatives to "alleviating the strain"?

Alternatives include "easing the burden", "relieving the pressure", or "lessening the load". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "alleviating the strain" or "relieving the stress"?

"Alleviating the strain" is generally used when referring to systemic or long-term pressures, while "relieving the stress" is more appropriate for immediate or personal stress. "Relieving the stress" might be used when talking about someone's anxiety, while "alleviating the strain" might be used when talking about the healthcare system.

Can "lessening the strain" be used interchangeably with "alleviating the strain"?

Yes, "lessening the strain" is a very close synonym and can often be used interchangeably with "alleviating the strain". Both refer to reducing pressure or difficulty, though "alleviating" might sound slightly more formal.