strain belief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strain belief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation or claim that is difficult to accept or believe due to its implausibility. Example: "The plot of the movie was so outrageous that it began to strain belief, making it hard for the audience to stay engaged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

There are many scenes that expand one's information but none that strain belief.

The New Yorker

But what happens next may strain belief, especially for anyone who's had occasion to visit a hospice.

The New York Times

A distinctly Gehry design will strain belief that the memorial is a tribute to Eisenhower – and not a monument to Gehry.

The Guardian - Opinion

Since it would strain belief for Nick to be present at every interesting moment of the tale, he often hears about shore expeditions from older members of the crew, and learns the news retailed in the captain's voice mostly from the captain's teen-age servant, John Charlton.

The New York Times - Books

In Nicholas Hytner's contemporary production of "Othello" at the National Theater here, two leading British theater actors, Adrian Lester and Rory Kinnear, have drawn acclaim for the fresh clarity and credibility of their performances as Othello and Iago — characters whose ultimately lethal actions can sometimes strain belief.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It strains belief that further intervention – through the crudest of all forms of aggression – can bring peace and reconciliation.

The Guardian - Opinion

That an artist of Chris Ofili's stature could feel panic and despair over an unfinished painting somehow strains belief.

The New Yorker

Farizan's prose is frank, funny and bittersweet, enjoyable even when Sahar's rashness strains belief.

The New York Times - Books

Either way, it strains belief to suggest Mr. Quattrone is merely on a lucky streak.

The New York Times

What strains belief is that no one interviewed by reporters today at the site -- or by the police -- admitted to having had any idea what was happening there.

The New York Times

It was never recovered, and eight months' worth of data had to be thrown away.In this section Let's get this straight Straining belief What price neutrinos?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strain belief" when you want to express that something is difficult to accept due to being improbable or unrealistic.

Common error

While "strain belief" is acceptable, be mindful of using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for stronger, more precise vocabulary to convey the level of incredulity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strain belief" functions as a verb phrase where "strain" acts as a verb describing the action of testing or pushing the limits of the noun "belief". As Ludwig AI describes, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

20%

Arts

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "strain belief" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes something difficult to accept due to its implausibility. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not overly common, the phrase appears primarily in news and media contexts, with some use in books and arts. Related phrases include "stretch credulity" and "test one's faith". Use it when you want to convey that something is pushing the limits of believability, but be mindful of overuse in highly formal settings. While acceptable, it is advisable to use with care as a writer.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stretch credulity

Emphasizes the act of pushing the limits of what is believable.

test one's faith

Highlights the challenge to one's convictions or trust.

tax credulity

Implies a heavy burden on one's ability to believe.

challenge belief

Focuses on questioning or disputing what is believed.

defy belief

Suggests something is so extraordinary it's hard to accept.

push the limits of believability

Directly addresses the act of exceeding what can be believed.

become implausible

Indicates a loss of credibility or likelihood.

seem far-fetched

Describes something as unlikely or unrealistic.

lack credibility

Focuses on the absence of believability or trustworthiness.

raise doubts

Emphasizes the creation of uncertainty or skepticism.

FAQs

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

You can use "strain belief" to describe a situation or claim that is difficult to accept or believe due to its implausibility. For example: "The plot of the movie was so outrageous that it began to strain belief, making it hard for the audience to stay engaged."

What can I say instead of "strain belief"?

You can use alternatives like "stretch credulity", "test one's faith", or "defy belief" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "strain belief"?

The phrase "strain belief" is appropriate when you want to express that something is difficult to accept because it seems highly improbable or unrealistic.

What is the difference between "strain belief" and "stretch the truth"?

"Strain belief" refers to something that is inherently hard to believe, while "stretch the truth" implies an intentional exaggeration or distortion of facts.