strain water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strain water" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of filtering or separating solid particles from water, typically in cooking or food preparation contexts. Example: "After boiling the pasta, be sure to strain the water before serving."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

That will strain water mains, he says, so the water board must upgrade many of its 20,000 miles of pipes.

The New York Times

Cows also compact the soil, trample native grasses, strain water supplies and introduce too much nitrogen into the earth from their dung.

The New York Times - Travel

The United States is a relatively water-abundant country with moderate population growth; nonetheless, current trends are sufficient to strain water resources over time, especially on a regional basis.

Harvard University

Generally found in shallow waters, they are filter feeders, meaning they use a specialised organ to strain water for edible nutrients.

BBC

He says increasing temperatures in Nebraska's summer months are decreasing soil moisture, leading to increased irrigation demands that threaten to strain water resources in the region.

Huffington Post

As severe drought continues to strain water resources throughout California and the West, planners and officials are increasingly considering potable reuse facilities and aquifer recharge systems as an answer to the crisis.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The system essentially strains water through different layers of sand, removing the particles.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It isn't just the matter of growing corn for ethanol, which is already straining water supplies.

The New York Times - Magazine

Like other flamingos, it feeds in saline and brackish lagoons by straining water through the lamellae on its unique bill and swallowing the invertebrate organisms trapped inside.

Cornell University

That is expected to more than double to three million barrels a day in 2018, further straining water supplies on the Athabasca River and aquifers in northern Alberta.

Yale University

California's ambitious goal of getting a third of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030 is being tested by its driest year on record, part of a multiyear drought that's seriously straining water supplies.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In environmental discussions, clarify what is causing the strain on water resources, such as drought or overuse, to add depth to your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "strain water" when you mean to say "stress water resources". "Strain" refers to the physical act of filtering, whereas "stress" describes pressure on a system or supply.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strain water" primarily functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating the action of filtering or removing solids from water. Ludwig shows examples in cooking and environmental contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

28%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strain water" is generally used to describe the action of filtering water or the pressures on water resources. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and commonly found in cooking instructions and environmental discussions. While it is a valid phrase, ensure that you use it in the correct context: physical filtering versus the exertion of pressure on a system. When describing environmental or resource-related problems, the expression "stress water resources" is a more common way to go.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

filter water

Replaces "strain" with "filter", focusing on the removal of impurities.

drain water

Emphasizes the removal of water, similar to straining but can also refer to emptying.

sieve water

Uses "sieve" instead of "strain", highlighting the action of separating solids from liquid.

extract water

Focuses on drawing water out from a mixture, altering the context slightly.

tax water resources

Refers to the act of burdening the water supply

put pressure on water

Replaces "strain" with "put pressure on", shifting the focus to the exertion of force.

burden water reserves

Indicates that water resources are being overused

place demands on water

Highlights the requirements and needs affecting water availability.

affect water supply

Broader term indicating any kind of impact on the water sources

impact water availability

Even broader term that focuses on how much water is available

FAQs

How can I use "strain water" in a sentence about cooking?

When boiling pasta, you need to "strain water" from the cooked pasta using a colander before adding sauce.

What does it mean to "strain water" in the context of environmental issues?

In environmental contexts, "strain water" often alludes to exerting pressure on or depleting water resources, but more often the correct expression is to "stress water".

Which is more appropriate, "strain water" or "filter water"?

Both "strain water" and "filter water" can be appropriate, but "strain water" typically refers to removing larger particles, while "filter water" suggests a more thorough purification process.

What are some alternative phrases for "strain water" in environmental discussions?

Instead of "strain water", consider using phrases like "deplete water resources" or "burden water reserves" to emphasize the impact on water availability.