straining face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "straining face" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a facial expression that indicates effort, struggle, or tension, often in a physical or emotional context. Example: "He had a straining face as he lifted the heavy weights, clearly pushing himself to his limits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

After a strange spell of silence, Mr Davis his white hair and strained face giving him a ghostly look has hit the radio talk-shows and the primary-school photo-opportunities, trying to make his case.

The Economist

While the flight of health care professionals partly explains the human resources strain faced by African countries, there is also a subtle in-country bias against the medical infrastructure in these countries that is often left unexplored.

The New York Times

In the Frankfurt an der Oder church, the Antichrist window was installed to the right of the central apse window; to the left were scenes from Genesis, including a claustrophobic Noah's Ark, in which strained faces peer through a pattern of portholes.

The New York Times - Arts

He pulled out his shirt to hide his nakedness, then hurried away, an awkward smile straining his face.

The New Yorker

Don't pull back on your opponent's legs, but do pretend to pull back by straining your face and throwing your head back.

WikiHow

Both Sheedy, who has fluid on the knee, and Stevens (groin strain) face fitness tests today before Kendall selects his team, while Liverpool reserve goalkeeper Hooper, deputises for the injured Grobbelaar and Molby returns after a two-match absence with a pulled hamstring.

The Guardian - Sport

It has been proposed that workers exposed to job strain face an increased risk of psychological strain and stress-related diseases.

BMJ Open

In one scene, as the boater-hatted Stavros awaits his fate on Ellis Island, amid a crush of straining, bewildered faces, Kazan films the immigration officers striding like Roman consuls past the fenced-in throng and into the cavernous great hall.

The New Yorker

As the scandals piled up, it was clear that the pope was increasingly tired, his voice strained, his face drained.

The New York Times

Many of the strains facing the families of the 49th are the same, of course, as those faced by families of active-duty troops sent overseas, but for the National Guard and Reserves there is a crucial difference.

The New York Times

They also assert that a substantial chunk of the surplus should go toward dealing with an aging society's long-range problems, most notably the financial strains facing Social Security and Medicare.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "straining face" to vividly describe the physical manifestation of intense effort, pain, or emotional distress in a character or subject. This emphasizes visible struggle.

Common error

Avoid using "straining face" when the facial expression is caused by something other than effort or stress. A smile, for example, should not be described as "straining" unless it's forced or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "straining face" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It modifies a noun (understood or explicitly stated) by using the adjective "straining" to describe the appearance of the face. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "straining face" is a descriptive term used to portray a facial expression showing effort, tension, or pain. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While relatively infrequent, it appears in diverse sources such as News & Media and Science, suggesting a neutral register. Alternative phrases, like "tense facial expression", can provide similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis. Use "straining face" when you wish to emphasize the visible effort reflected on someone's face.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tense facial expression

Replaces "straining" with "tense" and "face" with "facial expression", both conveying similar meanings of tightness and effort.

tightened face

"Tightened" conveys a sense of muscular tension, similar to "straining".

contorted face

"Contorted" suggests a more severe level of distortion due to strain than "straining."

stressed face

Replaces "straining" with the adjective "stressed", directly linking the facial appearance to a state of stress.

drawn face

"Drawn" emphasizes the look of fatigue and stress, suggesting a prolonged period of strain.

struggling face

Highlights the visible effort and struggle reflected in the face.

stressed expression

Shifts the focus from the physical manifestation to the emotional state causing the strain.

pained expression

Highlights the presence of pain, whether physical or emotional, as the cause of the strained face.

anxious face

Emphasizes anxiety as the underlying cause of the strained facial appearance.

effortful expression

Broadens the scope to any expression indicating significant effort, not necessarily limited to strain.

FAQs

How can I describe a facial expression that shows effort or tension?

You can use phrases like "tense facial expression", "contorted face", or a "drawn face" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "straining face" and "stressed face"?

"Straining face" typically implies a visible effort or exertion, while "stressed face" suggests the presence of underlying emotional or mental stress, even if the physical manifestation is subtle.

Is "straining face" a formal or informal expression?

The expression "straining face" is relatively neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more descriptive or evocative alternatives may be preferred in creative writing.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "straining face"?

Use "straining face" when you want to emphasize the physical appearance of someone's face showing signs of intense effort, pain, or emotional distress. It's suitable when the visible effort is a key aspect of the description.