relieve the strain

USAGE SUMMARY

"relieve the strain" is a valid phrase that can be used in written English.
It is usually used to mean reducing pressure, difficulty, stress, or uncertainty. For example, "The recent reduction in fees has helped to relieve the strain on the family budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Manufacturers are looking for solutions to relieve the strain.

The New York Times - Tech

Labour called on ministers to set out new measures urgently to relieve the strain.

The Guardian

"In another sense, creep is our friend, because it helps relieve the strain on fault lines".

The New Yorker

But if Labour scrapes home it will certainly relieve the strain on Gordon Brown, the struggling prime minister.

The Economist

(E-readers will also relieve the strain of printing costs, one of the factors that have led publishing houses to discourage illustrations).

The New Yorker

Earlier, Elizabeth had emerged from the daily massage and exercise therapy taken to relieve the strain on the disks of her spine.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Army Secretary Pete Geren told reporters on Thursday that he favored the faster expansion to relieve the strains of providing troops for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The New York Times

Mr. Bush cut Army combat tours in Iraq from 15 months to 12, but the Pentagon said that will not relieve the strains on troops and their families or allow the United States to send the reinforcements it desperately needs to Afghanistan.

The New York Times

Minimizing the drama relieved the strain of trying to make "The Sound of Music" mean more than it should.

The New York Times - Arts

Relieving the strain will need new approaches, from health professionals, governments, brands and businesses – but technology could be the key enabler.

The Guardian

Mr. Obama's advisers said they believed they had reached an accommodation that would satisfy both the military and a public eager to get out of Iraq, while relieving the strain on the armed forces and freeing up resources for Afghanistan.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relieve the strain", consider the specific type of strain you're addressing – physical, emotional, financial, etc. This ensures your wording is precise and impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "relieve the strain" multiple times in a single paragraph or short text. Vary your language with synonyms like "ease the burden", "mitigate the pressure", or "alleviate the stress" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relieve the strain" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It typically describes an action taken to reduce pressure, stress, or difficulty on a system, person, or object. Ludwig AI confirms that it is generally a correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

26%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relieve the strain" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys the reduction of pressure or burden across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and the phrase is commonly found in News & Media, scientific, and encyclopedic sources, which makes it suitable for both neutral and formal communication. To enhance writing, consider the specific type of strain being addressed and avoid overuse by incorporating synonyms such as "ease the burden" or "mitigate the pressure".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ease the pressure

Implies making a demanding or challenging situation less intense.

ease the burden

Focuses on making something less heavy or difficult to bear; emphasizes reduction in weight or pressure.

reduce the burden

Similar to 'ease the burden', but emphasizes a more general decrease in difficulty.

mitigate the pressure

Highlights reducing the intensity of a demanding or challenging situation.

alleviate the stress

Specifically targets reducing mental or emotional tension caused by difficult circumstances.

lighten the load

Implies making something less heavy or cumbersome, often in a metaphorical sense.

lessen the tension

Specifically aims at decreasing the degree of tightness or stress, often in interpersonal situations.

diminish the stress

Emphasizes gradually decreasing the impact or effect of stress.

soften the impact

Focuses on reducing the negative effects of an action or event.

assuage the difficulty

Focuses on reducing the intensity of a difficult situation.

FAQs

How can I use "relieve the strain" in a sentence?

You can use "relieve the strain" to describe actions that reduce pressure or stress on something or someone. For example, "The new policy is intended to relieve the strain on working parents."

What are some synonyms for "relieve the strain"?

Some alternatives to "relieve the strain" include "ease the pressure", "mitigate the burden", and "alleviate the stress". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "relieve the strain on" or "relieve the strains on"?

The phrase "relieve the strain on" is generally preferred. "Strains" implies multiple types of stress, while "strain" refers to a general condition of pressure. The singular form is more common and often more appropriate.

What's the difference between "relieve the strain" and "reduce the stress"?

While similar, "relieve the strain" often implies reducing excessive force or pressure, whether physical or metaphorical. "Reduce the stress" focuses more on lessening mental or emotional tension. Both "relieve the strain" and "reduce the stress" are interchangeable in certain contexts.