intense strain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intense strain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a high level of pressure, stress, or tension in various contexts, such as physical, emotional, or situational scenarios. Example: "The intense strain of the competition left the athletes exhausted and mentally drained."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

An opportunity that is already wilting under intense strain.

The New York Times

Such a crisis can put intense strain on these individuals.

The Economist

But within weeks, General Kayani's loyalties — and skills — are likely to come under intense strain.

The New York Times

However, high mobility, intense strain and low profile can make for pretty high risk.

The Guardian

(Quite so, although that agreement is once again under intense strain, in the wake of a murder in Belfast).

The New Yorker

The Iran nuclear deal reached in 2015 will come under intense strain during the Donald Trump presidency.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

But she also revealed the intense strains this imposed on Clementine's highly strung nature.

The Guardian - Books

The heavy costs of unemployment include intense strains on family finances, more foreclosures and the loss of job skills.

The Washington Post

The constant effective stress contours representing the intense straining zones near the tip are also presented.

International Journal of Fatigue

Moreover, by squeezing the supply from Mexico, U.S. authorities inadvertently encouraged domestic cultivators, who produced more intense strains of the drug.

The New Yorker

The lower deviator stresses of the larger specimens (in Figs. 4 and 6) could be associated with the more intense strain-softening resulting from shearing along longer and larger number of shear bands formed in larger specimens and the differences in the available space or freedom for particle rearrangement in the specimens of different sizes.

International Journal of Geo-Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about abstract concepts, pairing "intense strain" with concrete examples helps readers grasp the magnitude of the situation. For example, 'The healthcare system is under intense strain, leading to longer wait times and reduced patient care'.

Common error

Avoid using "intense strain" in overly casual or informal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or dramatic in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "a lot of stress" or "under pressure" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intense strain" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'intense' modifies the noun 'strain'. According to Ludwig, it is used to describe a situation where something is under significant pressure, stress, or tension.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

29%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intense strain" is a commonly used phrase to describe situations under significant pressure or stress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts. It's suitable for neutral to formal registers, especially in News & Media and scientific writing. Alternatives include "severe pressure" or "extreme stress". When employing this phrase, consider the specific context to ensure clarity and avoid overuse in overly casual settings. Remember that while "intense strain" and "intense stress" are similar, "intense strain" often carries a connotation of physical or systemic pressure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe pressure

Replaces 'strain' with 'pressure', focusing on the applied force rather than the resulting deformation.

extreme stress

Substitutes 'strain' with 'stress', highlighting the mental or emotional burden involved.

heavy burden

Focuses on the weight or load causing the strain, rather than the strain itself.

acute tension

Emphasizes the state of being stretched or tightened to a high degree.

considerable stress

Replaces 'intense' with 'considerable', softening the intensity while maintaining the meaning.

significant pressure

Similar to 'severe pressure', but slightly less forceful in connotation.

high stress level

Focuses on the measure or degree of stress experienced.

substantial pressure

Indicates a notable amount of force or influence being applied.

critical load

Highlights the point at which a structure or system is close to failure due to strain.

peak stress

Denotes the maximum level of stress reached within a system or material.

FAQs

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

You can use "intense strain" to describe situations where something is under a lot of pressure or stress. For example, "The healthcare system is experiencing "intense strain" due to the pandemic".

What are some alternatives to "intense strain"?

Some alternatives include "severe pressure", "extreme stress", or "heavy burden", depending on the specific context.

Is "intense strain" the same as "intense stress"?

While similar, "intense strain" often implies a physical or systemic pressure, whereas "intense stress" typically refers to emotional or mental pressure. However, they can sometimes be used interchangeably depending on the situation.

What contexts is "intense strain" most appropriate for?

"Intense strain" is well-suited for describing situations in news reports, scientific analyses, or formal reports, where a significant amount of pressure is being exerted on a system or entity. Examples are: "The bridge is under "intense strain" due to the heavy traffic" or "The relationship is facing "intense strain" after several years".