His eyes strained for any sign of where he was.

He strained for a moment and then pulled himself back into the light.

In truth, this final part strained a little too hard for effect.

She had read the books in English but strained for details.

Of course, relations have been strained for months, and this doesn't help any.

Their friendship was strained for the rest of the time they spent together.

But don't let us strain truth even for such an object as that.

He strained for the words, which caught in his throat.

She tried not to strain for every inch, but the top of her head only came to the other woman's shoulder.

She held his gaze, words straining for voice inside her.