come under strain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "come under strain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone or something experiences a great deal of stress. For example, "With the deadline approaching, the project team was coming under a lot of strain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Has your relationship come under strain since Brexit?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But that system has come under strain amid growing resentment by minority groups and poorer Malays.

The New York Times

Scotland's position in the union has come under strain whenever its autonomy appears threatened.

The Economist

Mr Bildt believes its institutions might come under strain, but they are strong.

The Economist

But it all adds to the new political tensions.Meanwhile, the economy has come under strain.

The Economist

For all that, its traditional social democracy has recently come under strain.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

This goodwill came under strain soon after 9/11.

The Guardian - Opinion

Prior to the walkout, services were winding down and coming under strain.

The Guardian

But it was not just his domestic life that came under strain in the mid-80s.

The Guardian - Books

Even before Mr. Madoff's scandal, a way of life was coming under strain here.

The New York Times

Did he exert no pressure as the empire, from 2001 on, came under strain?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "come under strain" to describe situations where a system, relationship, or entity is experiencing increased pressure or difficulty. It effectively conveys a sense of things being stretched or tested.

Common error

Avoid using "come under strain" when referring to simple inconveniences or minor issues. This phrase is best suited for situations involving significant pressure or potential breaking points, not everyday annoyances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come under strain" functions as a verb phrase, typically used with a subject to indicate that the subject is experiencing significant pressure, stress, or difficulty. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes a situation where things are being stretched or tested. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe relationships, systems, and even abstract concepts like values.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

4%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "come under strain" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe situations where something is experiencing pressure or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it effectively conveys that a system, relationship, or entity is being tested. When writing, remember to use "come under strain" for significant pressures, not minor inconveniences, and consider related phrases like "experience pressure" or "face difficulties" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encounter stress

This version specifically points to the presence of stress, a key component of being under strain.

be exposed to stress

Focuses on being exposed to a stressful environment or situation, indicating vulnerability.

experience pressure

This alternative focuses on the feeling of being pressured, emphasizing the subjective experience.

be subjected to pressure

This suggests an external force causing the strain, emphasizing the imposition of pressure.

be stretched

Emphasizes the idea of resources or capabilities being extended to their limit.

face difficulties

This highlights the challenges encountered, shifting the focus to the obstacles faced.

be burdened

Highlights the feeling of being weighed down by responsibilities or difficulties.

be challenged

Focuses on the presence of significant challenges requiring effort and resilience.

suffer hardship

This phrase emphasizes the negative consequences and suffering resulting from the strain.

be tested

Highlights the aspect of being put to the test, implying a challenge to one's limits.

FAQs

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

Use "come under strain" to describe situations where something is experiencing increased pressure or stress. For example, "The healthcare system has "come under strain" due to the pandemic".

What are some alternatives to "come under strain"?

You can use alternatives like "experience pressure", "face difficulties", or "encounter stress" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "come under strain" or "come under stress"?

Both "come under strain" and "come under stress" are grammatically correct, but "come under strain" is typically used to describe a system or relationship experiencing pressure, while "come under stress" refers more directly to the feeling of stress. They are often interchangeable but can carry slightly different connotations.

What does it mean when a relationship has "come under strain"?

When a relationship has "come under strain", it means the relationship is experiencing difficulties, challenges, or increased tension that are testing its stability and resilience.