He masticated his meal slowly.

He was having trouble swallowing.

He swallowed a large pill with difficulty.

He is struggling with difficulty swallowing.

He swallowed a large pill with difficulty.

He said his palate was hurting.

I strained a muscle at the gym yesterday.

He strained his muscles to lift the heavy luggage.

He raised the sail and began to sail.

Raising the sail, the ship advanced into the sea.