excessive strain

USAGE SUMMARY

"excessive strain" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe an excessive amount of pressure or stress on something or someone. Example: The weightlifter was under excessive strain as he attempted to lift the heavy barbell above his head.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Volkswagen has redesigned its assembly line to ease the bending and overhead work that put excessive strain on workers' bodies.

The New York Times

Another is that they are putting excessive strain on the public services.

The Economist

However, excessive strain in the order of 1% degrades the bonding between sand particles.

Soils and Foundations

But the East River tides have proved too formidable even for the stronger blades, putting excessive strain on the bolts that hold them to the turbine hubs.

The New York Times

This was a period of perpetual war as well as great economic investments, both entailing excessive strain on state finances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He and his colleagues are also looking at how to make a cement-based sensing skin that can detect excessive strain in bridges.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Many of the feared adverse effects, like excessive strains on roads not covered by the charge, didn't seem to pan out.

The Washington Post

Finally, when the swirl intensity is very high i.e. SG ∼ 10, the flame blows out due to excessive straining and due to entrainment of large amount of oxidizer due to partial premixing.

Combustion and Flame

The principle of restricted utility then places excessive strains of commitment on the worse off, and undermines their sense of self-respect, causing them to be resentful of their situation.

SEP

Excessive straining at stool disappeared.

BMC Gastroenterology

The diminished EMG activity of the levator ani muscle seems to be the result of excessive straining at stool and not a primary cause of constipation.

BMC Gastroenterology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical loads, ensure that "excessive strain" is quantified or qualified with specific measurements or contextual details for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "excessive strain" as a generic term for any kind of difficulty. Specify the source and nature of the strain for better impact and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excessive strain" functions as a noun phrase, where "excessive" modifies the noun "strain". It describes a condition of being stretched or stressed beyond a normal or acceptable level. As Ludwig shows, it's applicable in contexts ranging from physical mechanics to social systems.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "excessive strain" is a grammatically sound and commonly used term that describes a state of being overloaded or stretched beyond a safe limit. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While the register leans toward neutral to formal, it’s essential to use the phrase accurately and specifically to avoid generic applications. Related phrases like "undue stress" or "extreme pressure" offer alternatives depending on the intended nuance. In essence, "excessive strain" serves as a valuable descriptor when detailing overload conditions and their potential consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessive pressure

Simply uses an alternative for the word 'strain', keeping the meaning similar.

undue stress

Replaces 'strain' with 'stress', implying psychological or emotional pressure in addition to physical.

extreme stress

Similar to undue stress, but highlights the severity of the pressure.

inordinate pressure

Substitutes 'strain' with 'pressure' and 'excessive' with 'inordinate', suggesting an unusually large amount of force.

unreasonable burden

Shifts the focus to the burdensome aspect of the strain, implying it's unfair or difficult to bear.

overwhelming force

Emphasizes the power and impact of the strain, suggesting it's difficult to resist.

intense pressure

Focuses on the concentrated nature of the pressure, suggesting it's highly localized and impactful.

severe stress

Similar to extreme stress, this indicates that the pressure is causing significant difficulty or damage.

extreme load

Uses the word 'load' to refer to an extremely large amount of weight or something that causes pressure.

heavy burden

Suggests a weighty responsibility or obligation that causes strain.

FAQs

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

You can use "excessive strain" to describe situations where something or someone is under too much pressure. For example, "The bridge showed signs of /s/structural+failure due to excessive strain" or "The athlete suffered an /s/muscle+injury from excessive strain during training".

What's the difference between "excessive strain" and "excessive stress"?

"Excessive strain" typically refers to physical pressure or force applied to an object or person, while "excessive stress" often refers to mental or emotional pressure. They can both be used to describe a situation where something is pushed beyond its limit.

What can I say instead of "excessive strain"?

Alternatives to "excessive strain" include "undue stress", "extreme pressure", or "overwhelming force", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "excessive strain on" something?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and common to use the preposition "on" after "excessive strain" to indicate what is being affected. For example, "Excessive strain on the engine caused it to overheat".