added to the squeeze

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "added to the squeeze" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing an increase in pressure or difficulty in a situation, often metaphorically. Example: "The recent economic downturn has added to the squeeze on small businesses, making it harder for them to survive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Rising prices have added to the squeeze.

The New York Times - Food

Stricter visa rules for Chinese tourists have added to the squeeze.

The Economist

But Lowe's arrival has added to the squeeze Rona was feeling from the Canadian subsidiary of Home Depot, which operates about 180 stores.

The New York Times

In addition, analysts say that a failure to gauge supply needs and weather patterns accurately in an up-and-down economy has added to the squeeze on supplies.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Housing foreclosures, accelerating jobs losses and fast-rising prices all add to the squeeze.

Independent

Higher mortgage payments will add to the squeeze on Spanish households, however: the European Central Bank was expected to raise short-term interest rates for the second time this year on July 7th after The Economist went to press.

The Economist

"This fee will hit the most vulnerable and increase inequalities," says Vasile Astarastoae, head of the country's medical council.To add to the squeeze "social contributions" will continue to be levied on all revenues, including pensions and rents, and an increase in value-added tax passed last year will stay despite calls from foreign investors to lower it again.

The Economist

"It's just adding to the squeeze on people's incomes".

BBC

Oil prices are already rising because of the presumed Mideast connection to the attacks, which will push up inflation and add to the squeeze on global economic activity.

Forbes

The threatened financial squeeze added to the pressures Moscow is believed to be applying through surrogates in eastern Ukraine in seizing government buildings in cities with large populations of ethnic Russians and Russian speakers.

Los Angeles Times

The longer-term question is whether higher interest rates will add to the budget squeeze.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "added to the squeeze", ensure the context clearly establishes what the existing pressure or difficulty is. This phrase works best when it's evident what situation is being intensified.

Common error

While "added to the squeeze" is acceptable, it may sound slightly formal in casual conversation. Consider simpler alternatives like "made things worse" or "added to the problem" for everyday use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "added to the squeeze" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that something has contributed to increasing pressure or hardship. The expression emphasizes the worsening of an existing difficult situation, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "added to the squeeze" is a correct and usable expression indicating that something has intensified an existing difficult situation. It is commonly found in news and media contexts, with a neutral to slightly formal register. Ludwig AI confirms that it describes how new elements exacerbate existing strains, whether economic, political or resource-related. When writing, be sure the context makes clear what existing pressure is being intensified. While generally appropriate, more informal alternatives may be preferable in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worsened the pressure

Focuses on the deterioration of an already difficult situation.

intensified the strain

Highlights the increase in mental or emotional tension.

exacerbated the hardship

Emphasizes the making worse of an existing difficult condition.

compounded the difficulties

Stresses the accumulation of challenges.

aggravated the problem

Directly points to the worsening of a specific issue.

heightened the tension

Indicates an increase in nervous or strained relations.

increased the burden

Highlights the addition to an already heavy load.

amplified the stress

Focuses on the increase in mental or emotional pressure.

augmented the difficulty

Emphasizes the increase in the level of challenge.

magnified the pressure

Suggests an increase in intensity of the pressure.

FAQs

How can I use "added to the squeeze" in a sentence?

You can use "added to the squeeze" to describe something that worsens an already difficult situation. For example, "Rising inflation "added to the squeeze" on household budgets".

What are some alternatives to "added to the squeeze"?

Alternatives include "worsened the pressure", "intensified the strain", or "exacerbated the hardship", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "added to the squeeze" a formal or informal phrase?

"Added to the squeeze" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for news articles, business reports, and other professional contexts. Simpler alternatives might be preferred in casual conversation.

What does "added to the squeeze" imply?

It implies that an existing situation is already difficult, and something else has occurred to make it even more challenging or create greater pressure.