budget strain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "budget strain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the pressure or difficulty that a budget is experiencing, often due to increased expenses or reduced income. Example: "The recent economic downturn has led to significant budget strain for many local governments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Or it could delay the Mars Science Laboratory by one or two years, which would ease the short-term budget strain but, the agency says, ultimately add $300 million or more to the price tag.

The New York Times - Science

"Hertfordshire Constabulary have suddenly got this unexpected budget strain dumped on them at literally a month's notice.

BBC

During Tuesday's visit, Trump also lambasted Puerto Rico for creating a budget strain.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

More than any other service, the Army faces enormous budget strains.

The New York Times

Ms. Murphy feels the budget strains both as a student and as a university employee.

The New York Times

Paying for universal coverage is always an issue, especially in a budget strained by war, a growth in entitlement spending and a nagging deficit.

The New York Times

MR. BLOOMBERG -- He said he would work closely with the municipal unions to increase efficiency to help ease the city's budget strains.

The New York Times

Many laws pertaining to Americans with disabilities are federal mandates, but the financial consequences may fall on local school districts, many of which are facing budget strains.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Zabriskie's manga club, the borough's largest, no longer formally meets; budget strains prevented filling his job after his promotion.

The New York Times

Budget strains were evident in the public sector as the federal government slashed 14,000 jobs, and state and local governments cut an additional 25,000.

The New York Times

Legislators said that carrying out the decision would cause enormous budget strains in the midst of a fiscal crisis, possibly pitting New York City lawmakers against their rural and suburban counterparts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a "budget strain", be specific about its causes and consequences. For example, instead of just saying "the company is facing budget strain", specify "the company is facing budget strain due to rising material costs and decreased sales."

Common error

Avoid using "budget strain" as a generic term for any financial problem. Clearly define the area experiencing the strain and the specific impact it's having. Instead of simply stating there's a "budget strain", explain whether it's affecting hiring, project timelines, or service delivery.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "budget strain" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a condition of financial pressure or difficulty. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing challenges faced by organizations or entities due to limited financial resources.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "budget strain" is a noun phrase used to describe financial pressure or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its prevalence in news and media contexts. While relatively infrequent, using precise language and specifying the causes and consequences of the strain is essential. Consider alternatives like "financial burden" or "fiscal pressure" for varied expression. Avoid using "budget strain" as a vague term; instead, clarify the specific areas affected and the resulting impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

financial burden

This alternative emphasizes the negative impact of the budget issue.

economic pressure

This focuses on the broader economic factors leading to the budgetary issue.

fiscal pressure

This is a more formal way to describe the financial challenges.

budgetary constraints

This highlights the limitations imposed by the budget.

financial difficulties

This emphasizes the problems arising from the financial situation.

funding shortage

This indicates a lack of sufficient funds.

resource scarcity

This stresses the limited availability of resources.

economic hardship

This suggests a severe financial struggle.

revenue shortfall

This focuses on the gap between expected and actual revenue.

tight budget

This indicates a situation where there's little room for extra spending.

FAQs

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

You can use "budget strain" to describe pressure on financial resources. For example: "The department is experiencing "budget strain" due to unexpected repairs."

What's a more formal alternative to "budget strain"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "fiscal pressure" or "budgetary constraints".

What are the common causes of "budget strain"?

"Budget strain" can arise from various sources, including economic downturns, unexpected expenses, or "revenue shortfalls".

Is "budget strain" the same as "financial crisis"?

No, while both relate to financial difficulties, "budget strain" suggests a manageable pressure, whereas "financial crisis" implies a more severe and potentially destabilizing situation.