strained for time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strained for time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone has limited time to complete tasks or obligations. Example: "With the deadline approaching, I felt increasingly strained for time to finish my project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Although self-management support improves diabetes outcomes, it is not consistently provided in health care settings strained for time and resources.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Under pressure Doncaster College has long been under financial pressure, and industrial relations have been strained for some time.

The Guardian

Their marriage has been strained for some time, and when Anita flies to see him, her stopover in Honolulu becomes an opportunity for her to examine what, exactly, she can salvage with Percival.

The New York Times - Books

The relationship between Keegan and the club's owner, Mike Ashley, have been strained for some time with the manager believed to be unhappy over his lack of control in the transfer market.

The Guardian - Sport

After the rally, Mayor Sara B. Bost told reporters in front of police headquarters that the relationship between the police and the community have been strained for some time in this crowded city of 61,000 residents, many of whom are poor and black.

The New York Times

"Our relationship was strained for a long time," he said.

The New York Times

A broad white form appeared from the shadows, and as he gaffed the struggling fish and slid it in over the rail, Ingrish strained for the first time that day.

The New York Times - Sports

Their relationship had been strained for a long time, she says, but it wasn't until Marci was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis that she began to take the stress of her relationship with her mother more seriously.

Vice

But because I had been looking at this E. coli strain for such a long time, I could see there was a slight difference.

BMC Biology

The book's struggle for causality seems strained at times; for example, when Harrison insists on finding a connection between her obsession with nursing her children and her mother's rejection.

The New York Times - Books

Unfortunately, we've been here too often before with Bausch, and at times the straining for effect becomes frantic.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "strained for time", consider the context and whether a more common alternative like "short on time" or "pressed for time" might be more appropriate for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "strained for time" in casual conversation. It can sound overly formal or slightly awkward in informal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I'm running late" or "I don't have much time."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strained for time" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of having limited time or resources. As shown by Ludwig, it is frequently used to indicate a condition of being under pressure due to time constraints.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strained for time" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe a situation where someone or something is under pressure due to a lack of sufficient time. As Ludwig AI explains, while valid, it's a relatively rare expression. It is suitable for neutral to professional contexts, as shown in Science and News & Media sources. Simpler alternatives like "short on time" or "pressed for time" are often preferred for increased clarity and accessibility, especially in informal settings. When writing, consider your audience and the context to determine if "strained for time" is the most effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Short on time

Indicates a lack of available time; it's a more common and direct way to express the same concept.

Pressed for time

Similar to "short on time", emphasizing the urgency or pressure due to limited time.

Time-constrained

A more formal adjective describing a situation or person limited by time.

With limited time

A straightforward way of expressing that the amount of time available is not abundant.

Lacking sufficient time

A more descriptive phrase explicitly stating the absence of enough time.

Under time pressure

Highlights the stress caused by having limited time to complete something.

Running out of time

Implies that the available time is diminishing, creating a sense of urgency.

Against the clock

Suggests working quickly to meet a deadline or complete a task before time runs out.

Up against a deadline

Focuses on the proximity of a deadline as the reason for the time constraint.

Time is of the essence

Emphasizes the critical importance of time in a particular situation.

FAQs

What does "strained for time" mean?

The phrase "strained for time" means that someone is experiencing difficulty or pressure due to a lack of sufficient time to complete their tasks or obligations. It suggests that their time is stretched thin, leading to stress or potential inability to meet deadlines.

What can I say instead of "strained for time"?

You can use alternatives like "short on time", "pressed for time", or "time-constrained" depending on the context.

Is "strained for time" formal or informal?

"Strained for time" leans towards being slightly more formal than alternatives like "short on time" or "running late". It's suitable for professional or academic contexts, but might sound a bit unusual in casual conversation.

How can I use "strained for time" in a sentence?

You can use "strained for time" to describe a situation where time is a limiting factor. For example, "The hospital staff is often strained for time due to the high volume of patients." or "As the project deadline approached, the team felt increasingly strained for time."