places a strain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "places a strain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something causes stress or pressure on a person, system, or relationship. Example: "The increased workload during the holiday season often places a strain on employees' mental health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

This places a strain on government budgets.

The New York Times

The Champions League – at least six games before Christmas – places a strain on the squad.

The Guardian - Sport

That places a strain on an American economy that has become hugely dependent on consumer spending.

The New York Times

The frenetic development of the current architectures places a strain on the current state-of-the-art programming environments.

Parallel Computing

But critics argue that, while profitable, this business model encourages the overuse of chemicals and places a strain on human health and the environment.

The Guardian

Choosing a successor often places a strain on the entire management team, especially when the new executive comes from outside the company.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Population trends also place a strain on sustainability.

The Guardian

The only consequence is to place a strain on the performers without offering any enlightenment.

The Guardian

Syrian refugees now comprise 26% of Lebanon's total population, placing a strain on humanitarian resources.

The Guardian

All of this construction work has placed a strain on the university's finances.

The Times

Concentrations of high-needs students place a strain on schools, and, Eterno said, "We didn't get the support.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "places a strain" to objectively describe situations where pressure or difficulty is created, without necessarily implying blame or negative judgment. This phrase is versatile for describing impacts on systems, relationships, or resources.

Common error

While "places a strain" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider more direct and relatable alternatives like "puts pressure on" or "is hard on" for better engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "places a strain" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something is causing pressure, difficulty, or stress on a particular entity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, as demonstrated by the various examples provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "places a strain" is a versatile and commonly used expression that effectively conveys the idea of something causing pressure, difficulty, or stress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts. It is particularly common in news and media, as well as scientific writing, to describe the impact of certain events or conditions on systems, resources, or relationships. While generally acceptable, consider using more direct alternatives like "puts pressure on" in informal conversations. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively employ "places a strain" to convey specific meanings with clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

puts pressure on

Emphasizes the exertion of force or influence, often in a more direct or immediate way.

creates difficulties for

Focuses on the emergence of problems and challenges as a result of something.

causes stress to

Highlights the emotional or psychological impact, implying a burden or worry.

exerts pressure on

Suggests a more forceful or deliberate application of influence.

imposes a burden on

Conveys the idea of a heavy load or obligation being placed on someone or something.

weighs heavily on

Implies a significant emotional or psychological impact, often suggesting a sense of worry or sadness.

creates an encumbrance for

Highlights something burdensome or impeding progress.

causes hardship to

Emphasizes the negative consequences and suffering experienced.

takes a toll on

Indicates a gradual wearing down or damaging effect over time.

presents a challenge to

Focuses on the difficulty and effort required to overcome an obstacle.

FAQs

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

The phrase "places a strain" is used to describe situations where something adds pressure or difficulty to a system, relationship, or resource. For example, "The increased workload "places a strain" on employees.".

What are some alternatives to "places a strain"?

Alternatives include "puts pressure on", "creates difficulties for", or "causes stress to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "placed a strain" instead of "places a strain"?

Yes, "placed a strain" is the past tense form. "Places a strain" is present tense. The correct tense depends on the context of your sentence. For example, "The event placed a strain on resources" refers to a past event.

What's the difference between "places a strain on" and "puts pressure on"?

"Places a strain on" often implies a more systemic or ongoing difficulty, while "puts pressure on" can suggest a more immediate or direct impact. Both phrases can be used to describe something making something else more difficult.