adding to the squeeze

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adding to the squeeze" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to describe a situation that is becoming more difficult or stressful, often due to additional pressures or constraints. Example: "The recent economic downturn is adding to the squeeze on small businesses, making it harder for them to survive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Should that hope proved unfounded, the pound will drop sharply, adding to the squeeze on living standards.

The Guardian - Opinion

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

BBC

Adding to the squeeze on Treasuries is the declining total of maturing government debt, simply because the Treasury issued less as deficits shrank and surpluses grew.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Rising prices have added to the squeeze.

The New York Times - Food

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

Independent

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

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

This phenomenon has added to the squeeze on middle class wage incomes.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adding to the squeeze", ensure the context clearly identifies what is causing the increased pressure or difficulty. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "adding to the squeeze" in very informal or casual settings where simpler language would be more appropriate. It's generally better suited for professional or news-related writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adding to the squeeze" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that something is intensifying an already difficult or constrained situation. Ludwig AI affirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "adding to the squeeze" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the intensification of existing pressures or difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usefulness. Predominantly found in news and business contexts, it serves to highlight a worsening situation. While generally neutral in tone, it is best suited for professional or news-related writing rather than very informal settings. Alternatives such as "exacerbating the pressure" or "intensifying the strain" can be used to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exacerbating the pressure

Focuses on making the existing pressure worse.

intensifying the strain

Highlights the increasing severity of the strain.

increasing the burden

Emphasizes the growing weight or difficulty.

aggravating the difficulty

Stresses the worsening of an already challenging situation.

worsening the predicament

Highlights the decline in the situation's favorability.

compounding the problem

Indicates that the issue is becoming more complex due to additional factors.

heightening the tension

Focuses on increasing the level of stress or anxiety.

magnifying the impact

Emphasizes the increase in significance or effect.

fuelling the crisis

Highlights how something contributes to the continuation of the crisis.

supplementing the stress

Adding more stress to the existing situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "adding to the squeeze" to describe situations where existing pressures are intensifying, such as, "Rising inflation is "adding to the squeeze" on household budgets."

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

Alternatives include "exacerbating the pressure", "intensifying the strain", or "increasing the burden", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "adding to the squeeze" a formal expression?

While "adding to the squeeze" is acceptable in news and professional contexts, it might be too informal for highly academic or scientific writing. Choose vocabulary that suits your audience.

What does "adding to the squeeze" imply?

It implies that an already difficult situation is becoming more challenging due to additional factors or pressures. It suggests a worsening of conditions.