Strain at sth Meaning & Examples: How to Use This Phrasal Verb

What Does “Strain at sth” Mean?

“Strain at sth” means to try hard to do something or to struggle with something difficult, often mentally or physically.

Introduction

The phrasal verb “strain at sth” is used when someone exerts a lot of effort or energy trying to handle or achieve something challenging. It is often used to describe situations where a person pushes themselves beyond their limits, either physically or mentally. Understanding the “strain at sth” meaning helps learners express effort, difficulty, or tension clearly. This phrase is common in both everyday and formal English, making it useful to know how to use it properly.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: strain at something
• Type: intransitive
• Level: B2
• Short meaning: to try very hard or struggle with something difficult

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Strain at sth” is an inseparable phrasal verb, meaning you cannot put the object between “strain” and “at.”

Correct pattern: strain at + object

Incorrect pattern: strain + object + at

How to Use Strain at sth?

Use “strain at sth” when describing intense effort or difficulty with a task, problem, or situation. It usually refers to mental or physical tension. For example, you can say someone is straining at a heavy load or straining at understanding a complex idea. This verb often emphasizes the struggle or pressure involved.

Examples

When she lifted the heavy box, she strained at the weight but managed to move it.

• The students strained at the difficult exam questions but stayed focused.
• He strained at the rope, trying to pull the boat ashore.
• She strained at making sense of the confusing instructions.
• We could see the horse straining at the reins as it tried to run faster.
• John strained at the deadline, working late into the night.

These examples show how “strain at sth in a sentence” highlights effort and tension.

Common Mistakes

It’s easy to mix up the word order with “strain at sth.” Many learners say “strain something at,” which is incorrect.

• Incorrect: She strained the rope at.
• Correct: She strained at the rope.
• Incorrect: They strained the problem at.
• Correct: They strained at the problem.

Remember, always keep the object after “at.”

Differences / Synonyms

Similar phrasal verbs include “strain under,” “strain against,” and “strain for.”

• Strain under: Focuses on pressure or burden from something.
• Strain against: Emphasizes resistance or pushing back.
• Strain for: Means to make an effort to achieve something.

“Strain at sth” specifically highlights the act of trying hard or struggling with a particular object or issue.

Common Collocations

We often use “strain at” with physical or mental challenges. Here are some common objects:

• Strain at the rope: Pulling hard on a rope.
• Strain at the limit: Pushing beyond capacity.
• Strain at the problem: Struggling to solve a problem.
• Strain at the task: Putting a lot of effort into a job.
• Strain at the idea: Trying hard to understand or accept something.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of strain at sth:

• Strain Sth Off

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using “strain at sth” naturally:

Anna: The kids were really straining at the ropes during the tug-of-war.

Ben: Yeah, they gave it their all. You could see them struggling but not giving up.

Anna: Exactly, they were straining at every inch to win.

Practice

Fill in the blank with the correct form of “strain at sth”:

• He was _______ the heavy box to move it upstairs.
• They kept _______ the problem until they found a solution.
• She could see the horse _______ the reins eagerly.

FAQ

• What does “strain at sth” mean? It means to try very hard or struggle with something difficult.
• Is “strain at sth” separable? No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb.
• Can “strain at sth” be used for physical and mental effort? Yes, it can describe both physical and mental struggle.
• What is a common mistake with this phrasal verb? Placing the object between “strain” and “at” is incorrect.
• Are there similar phrasal verbs to “strain at sth”? Yes, such as “strain under” and “strain against,” but they have different meanings.