Pressed for time

USAGE SUMMARY

"pressed for time" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which you (or someone else) don't have enough time to do something. For example: "I'm pressed for time, so I'm afraid I'm going to have to cut our meeting short."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pressed for time, people are shopping more often and closer to home.

The Economist

Pressed for time or inspiration, some teenagers are turning to professionals for help.

The New York Times

Pressed for time or inspiration, some teenagers are turning to _____ for help.

The New York Times

Pressed for Time helps elucidate how things shaped up as they have.

University of Chicago

Pressed for time, both financially and by those expecting a symphony, he "rushed into production".

Wikipedia

(Pressed for time?

WikiHow

Suddenly, Djokovic himself is pressed for time.

The New York Times - Sports

And Kejriwal is pressed for time.

The New Yorker

ANDERS BORG is pressed for time.

The Economist

Were they a bit pressed for time?

The Guardian

Why do consumers often feel pressed for time?

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pressed for time", ensure the context clearly indicates what task or activity is being affected by the lack of time. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "pressed for time" is a common phrase, avoid using it repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Instead, vary your language with alternatives like "short on time" or "under time pressure" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pressed for time" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone or something that lacks sufficient time. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples of its usage in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pressed for time" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a lack of available time or a sense of urgency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, including news, academia, and general conversation. While versatile, it's advisable to use alternative phrases like "short on time" or "under time pressure" to avoid repetition. Remember that it's crucial to ensure the context clearly reflects the specific task or activity affected by the time constraint.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Short on time

This alternative uses simpler vocabulary to convey the same meaning of having limited time.

Lacking time

This phrase directly states the absence of sufficient time.

Time-constrained

This alternative uses a more formal tone to describe the limitation on time.

Under time pressure

This phrase emphasizes the stress associated with having limited time.

In a time crunch

This alternative conveys a sense of urgency and difficulty due to limited time.

Running out of time

This phrase suggests that the available time is quickly diminishing.

Against the clock

This alternative emphasizes the need to complete something quickly before time runs out.

Rushed

A shorter, more informal way of saying someone doesn't have enough time.

Harried

This word implies being stressed and overwhelmed due to lack of time.

Up against it

A colloquial expression suggesting facing difficulties, including time constraints.

FAQs

How can I use "pressed for time" in a sentence?

You can use "pressed for time" to describe a situation where you or someone else has very little time available. For example, "I'm "pressed for time" this morning, so let's keep the meeting brief."

What is a more formal alternative to "pressed for time"?

A more formal alternative to "pressed for time" is "time-constrained". This option is suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is it correct to say "I am press for time"?

No, the correct phrase is "I am "pressed for time"". The word "pressed" is the past participle of the verb "press" and is required in this idiom.

What does it mean to be "pressed for time"?

To be "pressed for time" means that you are in a hurry or have very little time available to complete a task or activity. It implies a sense of urgency and the need to manage time efficiently. You can also say you are "short on time".