can be straining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be straining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or activity that causes stress or fatigue. Example: "Working long hours without breaks can be straining on both the mind and body."

✓ Grammatically correct

Relationships

Health

General Usage

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

That last thing especially – shared finances – can be straining on a relationship, since buying things you don't need with your own cash is one thing, but burning through your lover's savings is one of the quickest ways to end up single.

Vice

A high protein diet in general can be straining on the kidneys, so it is important to drink a lot of water.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Relations can be strained, students say, but they have remained peaceful on campus.

The New York Times

In that case, they should know that the meeting of art and technology can be strained.

The New York Times - Arts

But even the healthiest relationship can be strained when partners have different expectations.

The New York Times - Travel

Doing nothing shows an understandable appreciation for how easily social cohesion can be strained by large-scale developments.

The Guardian

In both cases, however, the rationale for retelling the tale can be strained.

The New York Times - Books

The cooking liquid can be strained into the soup for extra flavour.

Independent

The ice can be strained out, Floridita-style, or the chunks and shards can be left in, which is typical of tropical cocktails.

The New York Times

Jolyon's account of his present-day life in Manhattan – hermetic and dominated by baroque OCD rituals – is compelling, though elsewhere the writing can be strained and sophomoric.

The Guardian - Books

The Wonderland staff had set him up with a team of doctors at Cedars-Sinai, who examined his heart, which can be strained by cocaine use.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be straining", ensure the context clearly identifies what is experiencing the strain. This improves clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "can be straining" without specifying the affected entity. For instance, instead of saying "This can be straining", specify "This project can be straining on our resources."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be straining" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating a possibility or potential for something to cause difficulty or pressure. Ludwig AI confirms this, showing it's used to describe situations that might induce stress or fatigue.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be straining" is a grammatically sound expression used to denote that something has the potential to cause pressure or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms that it is usable and correct in English writing. While relatively infrequent, as per the examples provided, it finds its place in varied contexts, including news, scientific discussions, and general advice. Remember to use it when you want to highlight a possible burden, and always clarify what is experiencing the strain to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "might be stressful" or "could put a strain on" /s/could+put+a+strain+on can provide subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could put a strain on

Uses a more direct phrasing, highlighting what is being strained.

might be stressful

Replaces 'straining' with 'stressful', emphasizing the emotional or mental burden.

can be demanding

Highlights the exacting or rigorous nature of something.

may be taxing

Substitutes 'straining' with 'taxing', highlighting the demanding or burdensome nature.

may be burdensome

Replaces 'straining' with 'burdensome', emphasizing the heavy or oppressive nature.

could be challenging

Replaces 'straining' with 'challenging', focusing on the difficulty or complexity.

might be overwhelming

Suggests a sense of being overpowering or too much to handle.

can prove difficult

Emphasizes the potential for something to become hard or problematic.

might create tension

Focuses on the creation of tension or pressure as a result of a situation.

may cause difficulties

Highlights the potential for something to lead to problems or obstacles.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "can be straining" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "may be taxing", "could prove difficult", or "might create tension depending on the context".

What's the difference between "can be stressful" and "can be straining"?

"Can be stressful" generally refers to emotional or mental pressure, while "can be straining" implies pressure that affects resources, relationships, or physical well-being. Choose the phrase that best reflects the specific type of pressure.

How to use "can be straining" in a sentence about relationships?

You might say, "Shared finances "can be straining" on a relationship if not managed carefully." This highlights the potential for financial issues to cause relationship difficulties.

What are some common situations where something "can be straining"?

"Can be straining" is often used in situations involving relationships, financial management, or physical exertion, where resources or endurance are being tested.