impose a strain on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impose a strain on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the impact or burden that something has on a person, system, or resource. Example: "The new regulations may impose a strain on the company's financial resources, making it difficult to maintain profitability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

On Tuesday, Admiral Mullen made clear that he expected the military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan to impose a strain on the armed services for years to come.

The New York Times

In the years to come, the aging of the population will increasingly impose a strain on health care systems worldwide.

BMC Geriatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

We propose that hAGT imposes a strain on the DNA duplex and searches for DNA regions where the native structure is destabilized.

Journal of Molecular Biology

The growing presence of Dominicans in Puerto Rico, now estimated to be at least 5percentt of the commonwealth's population, or a minimum of 150,000, is imposing a strain on the island's municipal and social services, commonwealth officials reported.

The New York Times

The treatment costs of smokers imposed a strain on Medicaid budgets, they claimed, that the companies ought to pay back.

Forbes

This, in turn, leads to a significant economic burden because of time lost from work and imposes a strain on the health care system.

American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy

"This could deny justice to the individuals concerned and increase the time and expense necessary to deal with cases at tribunal". The precise impact of the changes could not be predicted, the MPs continued, and they would impose a severe strain on the voluntary sector, straining David Cameron's vision of a "big society".

The Guardian

Although the crisis of the 3rd century was not the absolute beginning of Rome's decline, it nevertheless did impose a severe strain on the empire as Romans waged war on one another as they had not done since the last days of the Republic.

Wikipedia

14, 53, 54 The consequences and treatment of hypoglycemia impose a significant strain on health care systems and on society in general.

Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy

Imports of bullion impose a massive strain on its balance of payments—amounting to $54 billion in the year to March 2013.

The Economist

As the story shifts its point of view, the town's commandant and Gestapo chief prepare to eliminate the local Jews, fearing, in a bit of grim irony, that mass murder will impose a "nervous strain" on their men.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "impose a strain on", consider the degree of impact. If the effect is minor, a softer phrase like "add pressure to" might be more appropriate. If the impact is severe, "create hardship for" may be a better fit.

Common error

Avoid using "impose a strain on" for trivial issues. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact, making your writing sound melodramatic or hyperbolic. Reserve it for situations where the burden or pressure is genuinely significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impose a strain on" functions as a verb phrase. It describes an action that causes difficulty or pressure on something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, indicating its established role in the language.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "impose a strain on" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe something that creates difficulty or pressure. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It functions as a verb phrase, serving to express a negative impact. Suitable for neutral register, it appears across diverse contexts. When incorporating this phrase, it's important to consider the magnitude of the impact to choose the most appropriate alternative if necessary, with options like "put a burden on" or "place pressure on". Common usage of "impose a strain on" includes contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put a burden on

Replaces 'strain' with 'burden', emphasizing the weight or difficulty caused.

place pressure on

Substitutes 'strain' with 'pressure', highlighting the force exerted.

exert stress on

Uses 'stress' instead of 'strain', focusing on the mental or emotional tension created.

create difficulties for

Shifts from a direct impact to the consequence of creating problems.

present challenges to

Emphasizes the obstacle-like nature of the impact.

cause hardship for

Highlights the negative and potentially severe impact.

aggravate problems for

Focuses on worsening existing issues.

inflict hardship on

Implies a deliberately caused suffering or difficulty.

create an encumbrance for

Focuses on the extra weight or obstruction caused.

be detrimental to

General negative impact, less specific than a 'strain'.

FAQs

How can I use "impose a strain on" in a sentence?

You can use "impose a strain on" to describe something that creates difficulty or pressure on a resource, system, or individual. For example, "The new regulations may "impose a strain on" the company's financial resources."

What are some alternatives to "impose a strain on"?

You can use alternatives like "put a burden on", "place pressure on", or "exert stress on" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "imposes a strain on" or "imposes strain to"?

"Imposes a strain on" is the correct and idiomatic phrasing. "Imposes strain to" is not grammatically correct.

What's the difference between "impose a strain on" and "create difficulties for"?

"Impose a strain on" suggests a direct pressure or burden, while "create difficulties for" focuses on the resultant problems or challenges faced by someone or something.