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Mr. Tom Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

Strained out face

Hi

Is the underlined a natural phrase?

(B is unconsciously straining out his face in an attempt to pronounce some difficult word.)

A - Am I pronouncing this word correctly?
B - Almost. But why the strained out face?

Thanks,

Tom
  

Top answer

I've never heard that phrase before, though it does say it rather well. " His face may be strained, but not strained out.

— Englishmaven

  • I've never heard that phrase before, though it does say it rather well.
  • " His face may be strained, but not strained out.
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3 Answers
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I've never heard that phrase before, though it does say it rather well. I think I would say, "He contorts his mouth when he pronounces the word." His face may be strained, but not strained out.
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Thanks, Englishmaven.

So, is it 100% natural now?

A - Am I pronouncing this word correctly?
B - Almost. But why the strained face?

Tom
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Mr. TomBut why the strained face?
I'd substitute something else for "strained", probably "twisted".

CJ
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