Under duress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Under duress" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone is forced to act against their will or under pressure. Example: "He signed the contract under duress, believing he had no other choice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Under duress, Libi eventually gave in.

The New Yorker

Under duress, but, yeah, Rotherham.

The Guardian - Music

Under duress, he's trying to attack.

The New York Times

Under duress, generosity toward old friends takes many innovative forms.

Huffington Post

Quiet strength under duress.

The New York Times

He's certainly under duress.

The Guardian - Film

"They're civil under duress.

The New York Times

"It was under duress," this aide stressed.

The New Yorker

Others pose as if under duress.

The New York Times

Such reforms were usually undertaken under duress.

The Economist

This book is about language under duress.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under duress", ensure the context clearly indicates the source and nature of the pressure or coercion being applied. This adds clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "under duress" to describe situations of mere inconvenience or mild discomfort. The phrase implies a significant level of pressure or coercion that compromises free will.

Linguistic Context

The prepositional phrase "under duress" functions as an adverbial modifier, describing the circumstances under which an action is performed. It indicates that an action was not voluntary but compelled by external forces. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound and widely used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under duress" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier. According to Ludwig AI, it is widely used to describe actions performed due to coercion, pressure, or threats, primarily in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Wiki contexts. Related phrases include "under compulsion" and "under pressure". When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates the nature and source of the coercion. While "under stress" refers to emotional strain, "under duress" specifically indicates a loss of free will due to external forces. Overall, "under duress" is a versatile and appropriate choice when describing actions taken involuntarily.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under compulsion

Focuses on the act of being forced or obliged to do something.

under coercion

Emphasizes the use of force or threats to make someone act against their will.

under pressure

Highlights the influence exerted on someone, which may or may not involve direct threats.

under constraint

Indicates a limitation or restriction that influences someone's actions.

under threat

Specifically refers to a situation where someone is facing danger or harm.

by force

Implies the use of physical power or violence to achieve a result.

against one's will

Highlights the lack of consent or agreement in an action.

involuntarily

Indicates that an action is performed without conscious choice or intention.

compelled to

Focuses on the feeling of being obliged or forced to do something.

forced to

Directly states that someone is made to do something against their preference.

FAQs

How can I use "under duress" in a sentence?

The phrase "under duress" is typically used to describe a situation where someone is forced to act against their will due to threats, pressure, or coercion. For example: "He signed the confession "under duress"."

What are some alternatives to saying "under duress"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "under compulsion", "under pressure", or "coerced into" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say someone acted "under duress" if they simply felt pressured?

While feeling pressured might influence someone's actions, "under duress" implies a more severe form of coercion or threat that significantly compromises their free will. If the pressure isn't extreme, using phrases like "under pressure" or "influenced by" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "under duress" and "under stress"?

"Under duress" indicates that someone is being forced to do something against their will because of threats or other forms of coercion. "Under stress", on the other hand, suggests that someone is experiencing emotional or mental strain, which may affect their decision-making but does not necessarily involve coercion.