strains belief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strains belief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation, claim, or story that is difficult to accept or believe due to its implausibility. Example: "The idea that he could run a marathon without any training strains belief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It strains belief that further intervention – through the crudest of all forms of aggression – can bring peace and reconciliation.

The Guardian - Opinion

That an artist of Chris Ofili's stature could feel panic and despair over an unfinished painting somehow strains belief.

The New Yorker

Farizan's prose is frank, funny and bittersweet, enjoyable even when Sahar's rashness strains belief.

The New York Times - Books

Either way, it strains belief to suggest Mr. Quattrone is merely on a lucky streak.

The New York Times

What strains belief is that no one interviewed by reporters today at the site -- or by the police -- admitted to having had any idea what was happening there.

The New York Times

Time so often hastens by, Time so often stops — Still, it strains belief How an instant can dilate, Or long years be brief.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

There are many scenes that expand one's information but none that strain belief.

The New Yorker

But what happens next may strain belief, especially for anyone who's had occasion to visit a hospice.

The New York Times

A distinctly Gehry design will strain belief that the memorial is a tribute to Eisenhower – and not a monument to Gehry.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was never recovered, and eight months' worth of data had to be thrown away.In this section Let's get this straight Straining belief What price neutrinos?

The Economist

The chips are wired together via connectors along their edges, and the whole sandwich is embedded in epoxy resin.In this section Let's get this straight Straining belief What price neutrinos?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "strains belief", ensure that the subject in question is clearly defined and that the reason for the strain on belief is apparent to the reader.

Common error

While acceptable in news and opinion pieces, "strains belief" might be too informal for academic writing. Consider more neutral phrases like "is questionable" or "lacks sufficient evidence" in formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strains belief" primarily functions as a verb phrase used to express doubt or incredulity regarding a particular statement or situation. It indicates that something is difficult to accept as true or plausible, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strains belief" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that conveys doubt or incredulity. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently found in News & Media, Book and Science contexts, with a neutral to informal register. When writing, it's best to ensure clarity about what exactly is causing the "strain" and to avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Alternatives like "tests credulity" or "challenges belief" can be used for similar effect. Overall, Ludwig confirms that "strains belief" is a reliable way to express skepticism about a claim or situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tests credulity

This alternative highlights the challenge to one's willingness to believe something.

challenges belief

This suggests the idea questions or opposes existing beliefs.

taxes credibility

Similar to "strains belief", but focuses on the trustworthiness of something.

is hard to believe

A straightforward way of expressing disbelief.

defies belief

Emphasizes that something is nearly impossible to accept.

pushes the boundaries of believability

This alternative emphasizes that something stretches the limits of what is considered believable.

is a stretch

Informal and indicates something is difficult to accept as true.

is dubious

Indicates uncertainty and doubt about something.

seems improbable

Suggests something is unlikely to be true.

raises doubts

Highlights that something causes uncertainty or skepticism.

FAQs

What does "strains belief" mean?

The phrase "strains belief" means that something is difficult to believe or accept because it seems unlikely or improbable.

What can I say instead of "strains belief"?

You can use alternatives like "tests credulity", "challenges belief", or "is hard to believe" depending on the context.

How to use "strains belief" in a sentence?

You can use "strains belief" to describe a situation, claim, or story that is difficult to accept due to its implausibility. For example, "The idea that he could run a marathon without any training strains belief".

Is "strain belief" grammatically correct?

While "strains belief" is the more common and grammatically accepted form, "strain belief" can be used in contexts where you want to emphasize the action of testing or challenging belief, though it is less frequent.