be under strain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be under strain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is experiencing stress or pressure. Example: "The team may be under strain due to the tight deadlines and high expectations from management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Business

Sport

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

All this might be under strain.

The Guardian - Film

Western diplomats suggest the alliance with Iran may be under strain.

The Guardian

Public finances may be under strain, but there is no financial crisis of the sort that forced Britain to go cap in hand to the IMF in 1976.

The Economist

County finances may be under strain after the ECB-inspired rush for development but at least English cricket has got some improved grounds to show for it; Greece only has a few dodgy villas and retirement pensions at 53.

The Guardian - Sport

But the chief reason it feels fitting for the time of year at which your sense of benevolence might be under strain is that it's just so damn nice.

The Guardian - Film

And the government's finances will be under strain as the cost of its subsidies on imported fuel gets bigger.There is probably little the authorities can do to shore up the currency in the short term.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Everywhere friendships were under strain.

The Guardian

But the alliance is under strain.

The Economist

Today, this compact is under strain.

The New York Times

That dual bargain is under strain.

The Economist

Yet the public system is under strain.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about abstract concepts like economies or systems, use "be under strain" to illustrate that they are facing significant challenges or difficulties.

Common error

Avoid using "be under strain" when describing everyday personal stress. It's more appropriate for systemic or large-scale challenges, not individual feelings of being stressed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be under strain" functions as a predicative expression, indicating a state of stress or pressure affecting a subject. Ludwig examples show it applies to various subjects, from financial systems to personal relationships.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be under strain" effectively communicates that a system, relationship, or entity is experiencing significant pressure or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, as well as formal business settings. While the phrase isn't exceedingly common, it provides a clear and concise way to describe situations where limits are being tested. Remember to use it appropriately, focusing on systemic challenges rather than everyday personal stress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be under pressure

This alternative conveys the state of being influenced by demands or expectations.

be subjected to pressure

This alternative directly highlights the act of being forced to endure stress.

be struggling

This alternative describes the act of grappling with adversity and challenges.

experience difficulties

This alternative emphasizes the presence of general challenges or hardships.

face challenges

This alternative puts the focus on confronting and dealing with obstacles.

be stretched thin

This metaphor suggests resources or capabilities are nearing their limit.

be heavily burdened

This alternative focuses on the weight or load of responsibility and difficulty.

be tested

This alternative implies a situation that reveals the limits of one's abilities or resources.

be in a difficult situation

This alternative is a more general expression for facing tough circumstances.

be in a precarious position

This alternative emphasizes the instability and potential danger of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "be under strain" in a sentence?

The phrase "be under strain" is used to describe situations where something or someone is experiencing significant stress or pressure. For example: "The healthcare system is "be under strain" due to the pandemic."

What's a good alternative to "be under strain"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "be under pressure", "experience difficulties", or "face challenges" as alternatives to "be under strain".

Is it more appropriate to say "be under strain" or "be under stress"?

While both phrases relate to pressure, "be under strain" often implies a system or resource is stretched to its limits. "Be under stress" can refer to either systems or individuals. For example, a bridge can be "be under strain", while a person can "be under stress".

What does it mean when something "is under strain"?

When something "is under strain", it means it's experiencing pressure, difficulty, or stress that could potentially lead to negative consequences. It implies a situation where limits are being tested or resources are stretched.