He strained to hear what she was saying, but another voice cut the night.
Her voice was so low that he almost had to strain to hear.
He strained to hear what the two men were saying.
She strained to hear whatever sound had caught the Hand's attention.
He strained to hear what they were saying, but could make out no words.
The friends had to strain to hear her low voice.
He strained to hear better, but it was no use.
I strained to hear more, but it was gone already.
His voice was so low she had to strain to hear.
My head came up and now I strained to hear too.