under serious strain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under serious strain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or entity that is experiencing significant pressure or stress, whether physically, emotionally, or in terms of resources. Example: "The healthcare system is currently under serious strain due to the increase in patient numbers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The education system, he added, was also under serious strain.

The Guardian

In particular, he said, Russia is under serious strain.

The New York Times

But yesterday that relationship came under serious strain.

The Guardian

"The C.F.T.C. is under serious strain at its current funding level," Mr. Dunn said.

The New York Times

His battalion is under serious strain: In their first six months of deployment, some soldiers had only three days off.

The New Yorker

Assad also conceded that the economy was under serious strain: "The collapse of the Syrian economy is the most serious problem that we are facing so far.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Two nuclear tests, in 2006 and 2009, sparked strict international sanctions that have placed the leadership under serious financial strain.

The Guardian

That spells serious strain by 2020.

Forbes

It was a serious strain on me.

BBC

Too much or too little can cause some serious strain.

TechCrunch

It's placing serious strain on the countries receiving them.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under serious strain", ensure that the subject experiencing the strain is clearly identified. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "under serious strain" when the situation is merely inconvenient or slightly challenging. This phrase is most appropriate when describing situations involving significant pressure or potential negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under serious strain" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun or noun phrase. It describes the state or condition of something experiencing significant pressure or difficulty, indicating a situation that requires attention or intervention. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under serious strain" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a situation or entity experiencing significant pressure or stress. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability across various contexts, as highlighted by numerous examples from reputable sources such as The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Economist. While suitable for formal writing, users should be mindful of the severity implied by the phrase and ensure it accurately reflects the described situation. Alternatives like "facing significant pressure" or "experiencing considerable stress" may offer more nuanced expressions depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

facing significant pressure

Emphasizes the external forces acting upon the subject, altering the focus from internal difficulty to external pressure.

experiencing considerable stress

Highlights the level of stress being experienced, rather than the strain on resources or systems.

subject to intense pressure

Similar to "facing significant pressure" but intensifies the degree of pressure.

grappling with significant challenges

Focuses on the act of dealing with challenges, suggesting active engagement with difficulties.

in a state of crisis

Indicates a more severe situation than merely being "under serious strain", implying an immediate and critical problem.

struggling with overwhelming demands

Emphasizes the difficulty in meeting demands, suitable when the context involves exceeding capacity.

stretched to the limit

Suggests that resources or capabilities are nearing exhaustion, a more figurative expression.

feeling the pinch

An idiomatic expression denoting experiencing hardship, often financial.

at a breaking point

Implies a state of near collapse or failure, more critical than "under serious strain".

encountering severe adversity

Highlights the presence of hardship and difficulty, focusing on unfavorable conditions.

FAQs

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

You can use "under serious strain" to describe anything experiencing significant pressure or stress. For example: "The hospital system is "under serious strain" due to the pandemic."

What are some alternatives to "under serious strain"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "facing significant pressure", "experiencing considerable stress", or "subject to intense pressure".

Is it appropriate to use "under serious strain" in formal writing?

Yes, "under serious strain" is suitable for formal writing. However, always consider the specific context and audience to ensure it conveys the intended meaning accurately. Other options could be more appropriate based on your audience and style.

What's the difference between "under serious strain" and "under considerable strain"?

While both phrases indicate pressure, "under serious strain" suggests a more critical or severe level of stress than "under considerable strain". The choice depends on the degree of pressure you want to convey.