strained

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "strained" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to a strained relationship, or a strained attempt to do something. For example: "The new couple had a strained attempt at getting to know each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Leigh and Minghella were nominated for best screenplay, with Leigh an early favourite for his story about the comically strained relationship between Gilbert and Sullivan.

The Guardian - Film

The England bowlers strained for the coup de grace.

The Guardian - Sport

The liquid is then chilled, strained and bottled.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And there, at the centre of it, was Crenshaw, a fellow whose taut face and strained features spoke of someone on the brink.

The Guardian - Sport

"More investment in social work is absolutely vital to relieve the tension in an already strained workforce.

The Guardian

Up top, on days when Olivier Giroud has strained to make an impression, the need for an alternative who can help him or be a more predatory option looks obvious.

The Guardian - Sport

Moore had a cortisone injection on Sunday in one of the back joints he strained at training last Thursday and which caused him to miss the 25-16 victoverover Wales when the Queensland reds hooker Saia Faingaa found the Welsh captain Matthew Rees such a handful.

The Guardian - Sport

George Osborne strained every sinew to demonstrate both that there would be no complacency in his approach, and that his plan must be allowed to continue.

The Guardian - Opinion

But relations were very strained before all this.

The Guardian - Sport

Finally, infectious disease outbreaks must be addressed quickly – easier said than done in poor settings, where public health systems are already strained or collapsing already.

The Guardian

Putin, a former KGB spy, once described the internet as a project of the CIA, highlighting deep distrust between Moscow and Washington, whose ties are now badly strained.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing relationships, use "strained" to indicate a relationship experiencing tension or difficulties. For example, "Their relationship became strained after the disagreement."

Common error

Avoid using "strained" to describe a simple muscle pull. Use it specifically to describe the severity of tension, usually emotional or relational. Instead of saying "I strained my back lifting boxes", specify "I pulled a muscle in my back."

Linguistic Context

The word "strained" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of tension, pressure, or difficulty. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it often qualifies nouns representing relationships, resources, or situations under stress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "strained" is a versatile adjective indicating tension, pressure, or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical status and frequent usage. It is commonly used in news and media to describe relationships, systems, or resources under pressure. While generally neutral, its usage implies concern or highlights a negative condition. Remember to use "strained" accurately, particularly in emotional or relational contexts, and consider synonyms like "tense" or "stressed" for nuanced meanings. "Strained" is most often found in articles from The Guardian and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tense

Focuses on the emotional or physical tension involved.

stressed

Highlights the pressure or burden causing the strain.

pressured

Implies an external force causing the strain.

taut

Emphasizes the tightness or rigidity, often in a physical sense.

forced

Implies that something is not natural or spontaneous.

contrived

Emphasizes the artificial or deliberately created nature of something.

difficult

Indicates the challenging or problematic nature of a situation.

uncomfortable

Highlights the feeling of unease or distress.

awkward

Suggests a lack of ease or grace, often in social situations.

fragile

Highlights the delicate and easily broken nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "strained" in a sentence?

You can use "strained" to describe relationships or situations under pressure. For example, "Their relationship was "strained" after the argument", or "The hospital's resources are "strained" due to the pandemic".

What is a good alternative to the word "strained"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "tense", "stressed", or "pressured" as alternatives to "strained".

When is it appropriate to use "strained"?

It's appropriate to use "strained" when indicating tension, pressure, or difficulty in relationships, resources, or situations. It often implies a negative impact or a risk of breaking point.

What's the difference between "strained" and "tense"?

"Strained" often refers to a relationship or system under pressure, while "tense" typically describes a feeling or atmosphere. A relationship can be "strained", creating a "tense" atmosphere.