as strained as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as strained as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or feeling that is tense or under pressure, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "After the long meeting filled with disagreements, the atmosphere in the room was as strained as a tightrope."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even the haughtiest fashion magazines pay ritual lip service to the allure of "real-sized" women, though such articles in Vogue or Harper's Bazaar usually sound as strained as Herbert von Karajan would introducing a Bavarian oompah band.

The New York Times - Arts

Sudan's relations with the West — especially Britain — are as strained as ever.

The New York Times

Conjugative transferability of p981123 between S. Enteritidis strains was examined by using the parental S. Enteritidis RDNC-a R-AS strain as a donor, and three independent S. Enteritidis strains (PT1; PT4; and PT21) resistant to nalidixic acid (R-N) as recipients.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Strains of serogroup W135 were found as often as strains of serogroup A at the end of the epidemic of 2001 (6 ).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Strain B10, expressing the AF/R2 adhesin, was used as a positive control, and strain DH5α as a negative control.

BMC Veterinary Research

Here we report the measurement of cytoplasmic pH in E. coli K-12 Fras1 as well as strain TK2420, a triple mutant defective for all major potassium-uptake mechanisms, under varying conditions of ion concentration and osmolarity.

Plosone

Fermentation process development as well as strain engineering plays a critically important role in converting the fundamental research to real commercial application.

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

As such, strain HB1310 was regarded as a preliminary candidate endophyte for utilization of the reducing sugars in cotton stalk hydrolysate.

Biotechnology for Biofuels

In the present study, we developed a recipient strain as well as a set of plasmids for construction of fluorescent protein (FP) fusions in this species.

Fungal Genetics and Biology

To analyze the extent of coverage of both a simple and a more complex sample, we sequenced a control viral sample, the canonical NL4-3 strasn, as well as a clinical sample consisting of a heterogeneous HIV population.

Plosone

22 new genes contained in two operons controlled by PdhR (previously only 20 regulatory targets in eight operons were known) were identified by analysing a large-scale dataset of E. coli from the Many Microbes Microarray Database and novel expression data from a pdhR knockout strain, as well as a PdhR overproducing strain.

BMC Systems Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as strained as a" to effectively convey a sense of tension or pressure by comparing it to something known to exhibit those qualities. Ensure the comparison is clear and adds impact to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "as strained as a" in overly casual settings where simpler, more direct language would be more appropriate. Overusing comparative phrases can make your writing sound stilted or overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "as strained as a" is to create a simile, which is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things using "as" or "like". It modifies a noun or pronoun by describing its state using an analogy. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as strained as a" is a grammatically sound simile used to vividly convey tension or pressure by comparing it to something known to exhibit those qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While versatile, it is more common in neutral and formal contexts, particularly in news reporting and professional discourse. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to create a clear and impactful comparison, enhancing the descriptive quality of writing. Though not frequently encountered, when used judiciously, it adds significant value to descriptive expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as tense as

Replaces "strained" with "tense", indicating a similar feeling of unease but focusing more on emotional or psychological tension.

taut as a bowstring

Offers a more vivid and physical comparison, highlighting extreme tension ready to be released.

under pressure

Shifts from a comparative structure to a direct description of being subjected to stress or difficulty.

close to breaking point

Implies a situation nearing collapse due to overwhelming stress, more critical than simply being strained.

on edge

Suggests nervousness and anticipation of something unpleasant, differing from the broader sense of strain.

highly stressed

Focuses directly on the condition of being under significant stress, omitting the comparative aspect.

in a difficult position

Indicates a challenging situation that causes strain, but is more general and less emotionally charged.

stretched thin

Emphasizes limited resources or capacity to handle demands, specifically highlighting overextension.

under a lot of stress

Directly states the presence of significant stress, lacking the comparative element of the original phrase.

facing considerable challenges

Highlights difficulties being confronted, framing the situation as a test of resilience rather than inherent strain.

FAQs

How can I use "as strained as a" in a sentence?

You can use "as strained as a" to compare a situation or feeling to something that embodies tension or pressure. For instance, "The negotiation was "as strained as a" tightrope before the agreement was reached."

What are some alternatives to saying "as strained as a"?

Alternatives include "as tense as", "under pressure", or "close to breaking point", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "as strained as a" grammatically correct?

Yes, "as strained as a" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure for comparative similes in English.

When is it best to use "as strained as a" in writing?

It's best to use "as strained as a" when you want to vividly illustrate a state of tension or pressure by drawing a comparison to something inherently stressed or taut. It adds emphasis and imagery to your description.