strain

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'strain' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a physical or mental effort made in order to achieve something or to force something into a particular situation or shape. For example: "The fire brigade worked tirelessly throughout the night, straining to contain the blaze before it spread further".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The strain is likely to grow more acute as the government depends on helicopter gunships to extend its reach to parts of the country rendered impassable to logistics convoys and even armored vehicles by the rebels' improvised bombs.

The New York Times

Researchers have also found that climate change-enhanced heat and humidity are conducive to the spread of falciparum malaria, the disease's deadliest strain.

The Guardian

The reality is, however, that the French prison system is under great strain and faces totally new challenges related to geo-political tensions in north Africa and the Middle East.

The Guardian

Like Woakes, the spin-bowling all-rounder Mooen Ali missed Friday's dead-rubber against Afghanistan with a side strain but is expected to be named.

The Guardian - Sport

Villa then embarked on a wretched run of two wins in 21 matches, plummeting down the table and stinking the place out with a strain of football that yielded an average of less than half a goal per Premier League game.

The Guardian - Sport

Make your own rhubarb cordial – put 400-450g rhubarb, 250g sugar, the juice of half a lemon and 500ml water in a pan, bring to a boil, simmer until the rhubarb has disintegrated, then cool, strain through muslin into a jug (it will take a few hours to drip through) and refrigerate; or buy a decent commercial brand.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All of these approaches put pressure on a placement, and can strain the relationship between a young person and the foster family.

The Guardian

China rebuked the US when it called for Pu's release earlier this month, and the charges may add to strain on a trip already complicated by tensions over the South China Sea.

The Guardian

Many NHS trusts are already significantly in deficit, and the strain is beginning to show across the country.

The Guardian

Security guards at Rothamsted Research called police on Sunday morning when an alarm was tripped around private land where scientists are growing a GM strain of wheat that produces a natural aphid repellent found in peppermint and other plants.

The Guardian

With the strain on acute hospitals – be it in overstretched A&E units, cancelled operations, bed blockers or hospital-acquired infections, top of the wish list for many will be telehealth and telecare.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strain" to describe both physical overexertion and emotional or mental stress to add depth to your writing.

Common error

While both terms relate to pressure, "strain" often implies a specific cause or area of impact, whereas "stress" is a more general term for pressure or tension. Ensure you use "strain" when referring to a specific overexertion or pressure point.

Linguistic Context

The word "strain" functions both as a noun, referring to pressure, injury, or a particular type, and as a verb, denoting exertion, filtering, or damage through force. Ludwig AI confirms its multifaceted nature, aligning with the varied examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "strain" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb, frequently used to describe conditions of pressure, effort, or specific types. As Ludwig AI verifies, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. While interchangeable with terms like "pressure" or "stress" in certain contexts, it's important to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey. Be mindful of common errors such as confusing "strain" with "stress", and ensure clarity in your writing by specifying the area affected by the "strain". Overall, "strain" is a valuable word to have in your vocabulary, adding depth and precision to your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pressure

Replaces "strain" focusing on the burden or force applied to something.

burden

Similar to "strain", emphasizing the weight or difficulty caused by something.

stress

Focuses on the mental or emotional tension, similar to one aspect of "strain".

exertion

Highlights the effort or force used, close to the physical sense of "strain".

demands

Replaces "strain" when referring to requirements that cause difficulty.

difficulty

Emphasizes the challenging aspect of a situation, similar to the effect of "strain".

tension

Similar to "strain" when describing strained relationships or situations.

tighten

Focuses on making something taut, like a muscle or relationship under "strain".

filter

Replaces "strain" in the context of removing solids from a liquid.

sort

Similar to "strain" when describing a specific type of something, such as a virus.

FAQs

How can I use "strain" in a sentence?

You can use "strain" to describe a physical injury, like "He suffered a muscle "strain"", or to describe pressure on a system, such as "The budget is under considerable "strain"".

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

"Strain" often refers to a specific instance of pressure or injury, while "stress" is a more general term for overall pressure or tension. For example, you might have "eye "strain"" after reading, but feel "stress" about work.

What can I say instead of "strain" when referring to pressure?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "pressure", "burden", or "stress" instead of ""strain"".

When is it appropriate to use "strain" as a verb?

You can use ""strain"" as a verb when describing the act of exerting effort, like "straining to hear the speaker", or when filtering, like "straining the sauce to remove lumps".