straining credulity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "straining credulity" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation or claim that is difficult to believe or accept due to its implausibility. Example: "The plot of the movie was so far-fetched that it was straining credulity, leaving the audience questioning its realism."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Perhaps (straining credulity to the uttermost) Anthony Blunt could not have been tried in public.

The Guardian

And without really straining credulity Pete's travels through the world of publishing become exuberantly far flung.

The New York Times - Books

Finally, he provides a satisfying answer to the mystery of the omegas that is appropriately cosmic without straining credulity.

The New York Times - Books

Much of Chafe's analysis is arcane, in places straining credulity; but Bach, too, was a man of arcane bent.

The New Yorker

Straining credulity long past the breaking point, the story expects us to believe that Ava (Mandy Moore), a dithering newlywed, is a psychologist specializing in marriage counseling.

The New York Times

Further straining credulity, the Rangers won four Game 7's at home en route to the Strat-O-Matic title, against Philadelphia, Carolina, Pittsburgh and the Kings.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"It does strain credulity".

The New York Times - Arts

These details also strained credulity from the very start.

The New York Times

The scene would strain credulity, and our research shows why".

The New York Times

For Markram's critics, such statements strain credulity.

The Guardian

Their concerns evoke sympathy but also strain credulity.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "straining credulity" with adverbs like "somewhat", "slightly", or "greatly" to fine-tune the degree of disbelief you wish to convey. This helps to avoid overly strong or dismissive language when a situation is only partially unbelievable.

Common error

While "straining credulity" is appropriate for many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal academic or scientific writing where a more objective or neutral tone is expected. In such cases, opt for more precise and less judgmental language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "straining credulity" functions as a descriptive element, often modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something is difficult to believe. Ludwig AI shows examples of its usage in describing scenarios or claims deemed implausible.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "straining credulity" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote something that is difficult to believe. Ludwig AI confirms that its primary function is descriptive, serving to express doubt or skepticism about a particular claim or situation. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral to slightly formal register. When writing, be mindful of the audience and context, opting for more objective language in formal academic settings. Alternatives like "testing belief" or "difficult to believe" can be used depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

testing belief

Focuses on the act of putting someone's belief to the test.

stretching the imagination

Highlights the need for an increased level of imagination to accept something.

hard to swallow

Emphasizes the difficulty in accepting or believing something.

difficult to believe

A more straightforward way of expressing disbelief.

pushing the boundaries of belief

Implies that something is almost unbelievable but not quite.

taxing one's gullibility

Suggests that believing something requires a high level of naivety.

challenging acceptance

Highlights the difficulty in accepting a particular statement or situation.

beggaring belief

An idiomatic expression suggesting something is beyond belief.

defying belief

Emphasizes the unbelievable nature of something.

exceeding the limits of believability

Focuses on the idea that something goes beyond what is considered believable.

FAQs

How can I use "straining credulity" in a sentence?

Use "straining credulity" to describe something difficult to believe. For example, "The politician's explanation for his actions was "straining credulity"."

What does it mean when something is "straining credulity"?

When something is "straining credulity", it means it is difficult to believe or accept. It suggests that the event, explanation, or claim is highly implausible.

What are some alternatives to "straining credulity"?

Alternatives to "straining credulity" include "testing belief", "difficult to believe", or "hard to swallow". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "straining credulity" a formal or informal expression?

"Straining credulity" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it should be used judiciously in very formal or academic writing. Less judgmental alternatives are preferable in those contexts.