is strained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is strained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or relationship that is tense, difficult, or under pressure. Example: "Their friendship is strained after the argument they had last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The relationship is strained.

The New York Times

But the analogy is strained.

The Economist

The reunion is strained.

The New York Times

Her marriage to Arthur is strained.

The New York Times

Her singing is strained yet somehow noble.

The New York Times - Arts

Language is strained to its limits.

The New Yorker

"People's level of confidence is strained.

The New York Times

But Stottlemyre's relationship with Wells is strained.

The New York Times - Sports

Not surprisingly, sexual intimacy is strained.

The New York Times - Health

More often, the dialogue is strained.

The New York Times - Arts

Claire's relationship with Dan is strained.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is strained", ensure the subject and context clearly indicate what is experiencing the strain. For example, specify whether it's a relationship, a resource, or an emotion.

Common error

Avoid vague sentences where the cause of the strain isn't clear. Instead of saying "Things are strained", specify, for example, "The relationship is strained due to financial difficulties."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is strained" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of a noun or noun phrase. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it modifies terms like "relationship", "economy", or "confidence", indicating a state of tension or pressure. According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

15%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is strained" is a versatile and frequently used expression to denote tension, pressure, or difficulty across various domains. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and widely employed, primarily within News & Media contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is crucial; ensure that the subject experiencing the strain is clearly identified, and the cause of the strain is articulated to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "is under pressure" or "is tense" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Ultimately, "is strained" serves as a valuable tool for expressing challenging circumstances in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is under pressure

Focuses on the external forces acting upon something, causing it to be strained.

is tense

Emphasizes the emotional or relational tension present.

is under stress

Highlights the psychological or physical burden involved.

is stretched thin

Implies resources or capacity are nearing their limit.

is burdened

Focuses on the weight or difficulty caused by something.

is tested

Suggests a challenging situation that reveals the limits of something.

is near breaking point

Indicates that the situation is extremely fragile and close to collapse.

is deteriorating

Focuses on the declining state of something due to pressure or strain.

is cracking

Emphasizes the visible signs of strain and potential failure.

is fraying

Implies a gradual wearing down or unraveling due to strain.

FAQs

How can I use "is strained" in a sentence?

You can use "is strained" to describe a relationship, system, or resource that is under pressure or experiencing difficulty. For example, "Their relationship "is strained" after a series of disagreements."

What can I say instead of "is strained"?

You can use alternatives like "is tense", "is under pressure", or "is stretched thin" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is strained" or "are strained"?

"Is strained" is used with singular subjects, while "are strained" is used with plural subjects. For example, "The relationship is strained" versus "Their relationships are strained."

What's the difference between "is strained" and "is tense"?

"Is strained" often implies an external pressure causing difficulty, while "is tense" typically refers to an emotional or relational state. A relationship that "is strained" may also "is tense", but tension can exist without an external cause.