What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cricked
Example
I cricked my neck when I turned too quickly. [cricked: verb]
Example
She woke up with a cricked neck and could barely move her head. [cricked: adjective]
strained
Example
He strained his back while lifting heavy boxes. [strained: verb]
Example
After running a marathon, her legs were sore and strained. [strained: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Strained is more commonly used than cricked in everyday language. Strained is a versatile word that can be used to describe various types of muscle injuries, while cricked is a less common term that is specific to neck pain.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cricked and strained?
Both cricked and strained are informal words that are commonly used in casual conversation. However, strained may be more appropriate in formal writing or professional contexts due to its versatility and broader usage.
