under great strain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under great strain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or person experiencing significant pressure or stress. Example: "The team was under great strain as they worked to meet the tight deadline for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Kansas City's grandmothers inhabit a society under great strain.

The Economist

He was under great strain when his wife started a violent quarrel over their child.

The New Yorker

The White House made it clear that China-US relations had been placed under great strain.

The Guardian

Yet, with its defense budget under great strain, Israel has few obvious military options remaining.

The New York Times

"It would not be sensible for the E.C.B. to put the banking sector under great strain".

The New York Times

In the wake of the global financial crisis, the UN budget was under great strain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Leicester put themselves under greater strain in training than they felt from the French.

The Guardian - Sport

Leaders have declared the system irreversible, but it has seldom appeared under greater strain.

The Guardian

Some of these genes related to the immune system, which is under greater strain in space.

The Guardian

He may also risk putting America's relations with Saudi Arabia and other Arab regimes under greater strain.

The Economist

I've never known a time when democracy is under greater strain, and people are so attracted by angry voices of protest and simplistic solutions.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under great strain" to describe situations where resources, relationships, or systems are being tested to their limits. Ensure the context clearly indicates the source and nature of the strain.

Common error

While appropriate for news reports and formal analyses, "under great strain" might sound overly dramatic in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "stressed" or "pressured" when speaking informally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under great strain" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and widely used. It describes a state of being subjected to intense pressure or stress.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under great strain" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, primarily employed to describe situations experiencing significant pressure or stress. It frequently appears in news and media contexts, as well as encyclopedias and formal business communications, to convey the intensity of difficult circumstances. While versatile, it's most appropriate for neutral to formal settings, where it effectively highlights the challenges faced by systems, organizations, or relationships. When writing, be mindful of the context and consider alternatives like "under considerable pressure" or "experiencing significant stress" for informal scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under considerable pressure

Emphasizes pressure as a primary factor, rather than general strain.

under intense pressure

Highlights the high level of pressure experienced.

experiencing significant stress

Focuses on the stress felt by someone or something.

facing immense challenges

Highlights the difficulties encountered, moving away from the idea of strain.

in a precarious situation

Indicates instability and potential danger, rather than direct pressure.

in dire straits

Implies a more desperate and difficult situation than simply being under strain.

at a breaking point

Suggests a limit has been reached, implying immediate potential for failure.

stretched to the limit

Focuses on the resource depletion and overextension.

under duress

Highlights the presence of coercion and external force.

in crisis mode

Emphasizes the urgency and severity of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "under great strain" in a sentence?

Use "under great strain" to describe situations or entities experiencing significant pressure or stress. For example, "The hospital system was "under great strain" due to the pandemic".

What are some alternatives to "under great strain"?

You can use alternatives like "under considerable pressure", "experiencing significant stress", or "facing immense challenges" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "under great strain" or "under a lot of stress"?

"Under great strain" is typically used in more formal or professional contexts to describe systems or organizations, while "under a lot of stress" can be used more broadly, including for individuals. The choice depends on the intended tone and subject.

What does it mean when something is described as "under great strain"?

It means that something, whether it's a system, an organization, or even a relationship, is experiencing significant pressure, difficulty, or stress that is testing its limits. It suggests a situation where resources are stretched thin, and there's potential for things to break down or fail.