undue strain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undue strain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a level of stress or pressure that is excessive or unwarranted in a given situation. Example: "The new workload placed an undue strain on the employees, leading to increased stress and burnout."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Brian Shaw also discounted the idea that the Lakers were under an undue strain.

The New York Times - Sports

China could easily double domestic defense spending without putting an undue strain on its economy.

The New York Times

And he worries that his notoriety has put undue strain and pressure on his family.

The New York Times

It produces over $8 trillion-worth of goods and services, without undue strain on its capacity.

The Economist

"We didn't see any evidence of undue strain on city resources".

The New York Times

And those are something that anyone with a plan can pull off without undue strain on either cook or guests.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

This tissue will glue together the bone fragments to a certain degree, perhaps sufficiently to maintain reduction unless undue stress or strain is thrown against the fracture line.

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research

A bra lacking the required support will result in undue stress and strain on your new implants.

WikiHow

This is important because you don't want to put the surgical incisions or new implants under any undue stress or strain.

WikiHow

Even as he recovers at home, Mr. Barber said he was trying to ensure that the shooting does not cause undue financial strain on those affected.

The New York Times

A Sling spokesman said the company "dynamically adjusts the bandwidth based on network conditions and picture quality," so the app should not add any undue additional strain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical activities, ensure you're not creating the impression of promoting unsafe practices by using "undue strain". Emphasize proper form and moderation to avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "undue strain" repeatedly in highly technical documents or reports where more specific terminology might be more appropriate. For instance, instead of "undue strain on the engine", consider using phrases like "excessive mechanical stress" or "overload condition" to provide greater precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undue strain" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb (e.g., 'put under', 'cause'). According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it modifying nouns to describe excessive or unwarranted pressure.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undue strain" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe excessive or unwarranted pressure. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It finds frequent usage across various domains, notably News & Media, Science, and Wiki, with a neutral to formal register. Alternatives include "excessive pressure", "unreasonable stress", and "unnecessary burden". It's essential to avoid overusing the phrase in highly technical contexts and to consider the connotations of promoting potentially unsafe practices. Overall, understanding the nuances of "undue strain" allows for its effective and precise application in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undue pressure

A very close synonym, focusing on the pressure aspect of the strain.

undue burden

Replaces "strain" with "burden", suggesting an unfair or excessive obligation.

excessive pressure

Substitutes "strain" with "pressure", emphasizing the intensity of the force applied.

unreasonable stress

Replaces "strain" with "stress", highlighting the mental or emotional impact.

unwarranted pressure

Highlights that the pressure is not justified or deserved.

unnecessary burden

Replaces "strain" with "burden", suggesting an unnecessary load or obligation.

disproportionate stress

Emphasizes that the stress or strain is not fairly distributed or justified.

unjustified stress

Focuses on the lack of justification for the stress being experienced.

inordinate burden

Replaces both words with synonyms, providing a more formal tone.

excessive load

Focuses on the amount of work or responsibility, using "load" instead of "strain".

FAQs

How can I use "undue strain" in a sentence?

You can use "undue strain" to describe situations where something is experiencing excessive pressure or stress, like "The increased workload placed an "undue strain" on the employees".

What phrases can I use instead of "undue strain"?

Alternatives include "excessive pressure", "unreasonable stress", or "unnecessary burden", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "undue stress" or "undue strain"?

Both "undue stress" and "undue strain" are correct, but "strain" often implies a more physical or structural burden, while "stress" can refer to mental or emotional pressure. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "undue pressure" and "undue strain"?

"Undue pressure" generally refers to external forces or influences causing difficulty, while "undue strain" often describes the internal resistance or deformation resulting from such pressure. For example, external expectations create "undue pressure", leading to "undue strain" on resources.