strained connection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strained connection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship or link that is under stress or tension, often implying difficulty or lack of harmony. Example: "Their friendship had become a strained connection after the argument, making it hard for them to communicate openly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Virtually every prominent Republican in the industry whom I called declined to comment or was willing to speak only anonymously about the strained connection between the tech industry and the Republican Party.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He leaves behind the Hemingwayesque mannerisms and strained connections that mar his writing about the novelist (and his boat), and instead his two strongest gifts — that compassion and his research and reporting prowess — combine to masterly effect.

The New York Times - Books

Their relationship is strained, yes, but the connection is unmistakable.

The New York Times

The trouble is that whenever this is the end of the road for discussion, our connection becomes more strained, our nerves more frayed.

Huffington Post

Our connection feels stressful and strained.

Huffington Post

But the show, hosted by Michael Feinstein, asked Broadway and cabaret performers, some completely lacking a jazz connection, to affect jazz mannerisms in strained performances that illustrated their ignorance of the tradition they were unintentionally sabotaging.

The New York Times - Arts

The drone strikes are a divisive issue in Pakistani politics, and analysts drew a connection between the use of drones and strained relations with Washington.

The New York Times

Bergman achieves some marvellous effects with burnished color, but his connection to these men and women feels tenuous and strained, and too often ends in a painful, frustrating standoff.

The New Yorker

I specially liked the wry connection between Degas's Little Dancer, in all her strained grace, and one of Antony Gormley's body castings, in this case a graceless tin man.

The Guardian - Arts

This too is the texture and infrastructure of the book, though the connections between Arcadia and Basra are at times a little strained, the cable pulled too tight, fraying at the ends.

The New York Times - Books

As the connection between the sensates gets deeper, the couple's bond may become strained as Nomi struggles to keep her sense of self.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strained connection" to imply underlying issues that are affecting the relationship without explicitly stating them.

Common error

Avoid using "strained connection" when a simple lack of connection is meant. "Strained" implies a pre-existing connection that has become difficult, not just an absence of one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strained connection" functions as a noun phrase, where "strained" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "connection". This structure describes a specific type of relationship or link that is under duress. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes a relationship or link that is under stress or tension.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strained connection" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase, albeit rare in usage, per Ludwig AI. Primarily appearing in news and media contexts, it serves to describe a relationship or link that is experiencing tension or difficulty. Related phrases include "tense relationship" and "fragile bond". A key writing tip is to use "strained connection" to imply underlying issues without explicitly stating them, while avoiding its use when a simple lack of connection, rather than a pre-existing but troubled one, is meant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strained relationship

Very similar, focuses specifically on the relationship aspect.

tense relationship

Highlights the presence of stress and potential conflict.

uncomfortable link

Emphasizes the feeling of unease associated with the connection.

difficult connection

Points to the challenging nature of maintaining the link.

tenuous link

Indicates a weak or fragile association.

fragile bond

Emphasizes the vulnerability of the relationship.

difficult association

Suggests challenges and problems within the connection.

awkward alliance

Implies discomfort and unease in the partnership.

under pressure

Highlights the stress and strain on the connection.

unhealthy dynamic

Suggests a negative and potentially damaging interaction.

FAQs

What does "strained connection" mean?

A "strained connection" refers to a relationship or link that is experiencing tension, difficulty, or stress. It suggests a pre-existing bond that has become weakened or troubled.

How can I use "strained connection" in a sentence?

You might say, "Their friendship became a /s/tense+relationship after the disagreement" or "The political climate created a /s/difficult+association between the two countries".

What are some alternatives to "strained connection"?

Alternatives include "tense relationship", "fragile bond", or "difficult association", depending on the specific context.

Is "strained connection" a formal or informal phrase?

"Strained connection" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While not overly technical, it effectively conveys a sense of difficulty or tension in a relationship or link.