The phrase "strained him" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to express physical or mental strain on another person. For example: After hours of studying, the intensity of the final exam had strained him.
We performed large-scale culturing of C. elegans strain him-5, followed by isolating males and purifying sperm, and obtained highly pure sperm cells.
Large-scale culture of C. elegans strain him-5 and purification of mature sperm cells were performed using a modified protocol based on published methods [ 51- 53] (detailed protocols in Additional file 1).
The wound, which has never healed — both straining him physically and signifying his moral failing — leaves Amfortas a weakened ruler unable to lead the brotherhood, which, as a result, is threatened with collapse from within and is menaced from without.
Each time McCain makes a mistake on the campaign trail -- as he is often prone to do -- he will face questions about age, and whether the campaign and the presidency will strain him beyond his capacity.
Every time Mr. Gamrod strained against him, Jurgen used that energy to his own advantage.
And if those friendships are strained, helping him cope becomes your next paternal challenge.
From here those who come will always strain towards him, always chasing that lone upright figure out in front.
Later, I passed by that same clerk, and I strained to hear him talking.
Mr. Giuliani has refused interviews with both writers, and both said they had had strained relations with him.
His relationship with his parents is strained; people eye him with suspicion in a neighborhood food shop.
