are pressed for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are pressed for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a lack of time or resources, often in the context of needing something urgently. Example: "We are pressed for time, so we need to finish this project by the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If you are pressed for time, sit at the bar.

The New York Times - Travel

Which is not realistic immediately preceding an election, when staff are pressed for time.

University of California, Berkeley

More cracks could show as the candidates are pressed for specifics.

The Washington Post

Our Eurosport experts are pressed for a prediction by Annabel Croft.

The Guardian - Sport

If you are pressed for time, take the ferry to the village of Sok Kwu Wan for its seafood restaurants.

The New York Times - Travel

The guerrillas, who are pressed for hard currency, have developed a brisk black-market trade in Khmer antiquities with Thailand.

The New Yorker

"You competed with 30 other people, so you are pressed for what you need to get out of the project.

The New York Times

But there is one caveat: audio-book customers tend to be readers who are pressed for time.

The New York Times

Then the hams are pressed for three or four days between weighted boards to give them their characteristic shape.

The New York Times - Travel

If you are pressed for time, the Blur, the Palais de l'Équilibre and the Nouvel buildings are the must-sees.

The New York Times

As societal demands and challenges continue to evolve, policy and political institutions are pressed for innovative, varied solutions to these changing needs.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context: while generally acceptable, "are pressed for" can sometimes sound informal. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "face a scarcity of" or "have limited resources".

Common error

Don't use "are pressed for" when you mean simply "busy" or "occupied". "Are pressed for" implies a genuine shortage or urgent need, not just a state of being busy. Ensure there's a real constraint, such as time or money.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are pressed for" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a subject as experiencing a shortage. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are pressed for" is a versatile and grammatically correct way to indicate a shortage or scarcity, primarily of time or resources. Ludwig AI validates its usage and suggests alternatives like "are short on" or "are lacking in". It is most commonly found in News & Media sources, but also appears in Academic and Wiki contexts. While generally acceptable, consider your audience and context when choosing between "are pressed for" and more formal alternatives. Remember that "are pressed for" means a real shortage, not just general busyness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are short on

Focuses on a deficiency in a specific resource, particularly time or money.

are lacking in

Highlights the absence of something essential.

are strapped for

Emphasizes a severe shortage, often financial.

are running out of

Suggests a resource is diminishing and nearing depletion.

are up against the clock

Specifically refers to a strict time constraint or deadline.

are in need of

Highlights a requirement or necessity.

are under pressure

Emphasizes the stress caused by demands or deadlines.

have limited

Indicates a restricted amount or quantity of something.

face scarcity of

Highlights the fact that something is not readily available

have little to spare

Indicates a minimal surplus beyond immediate needs.

FAQs

What does "are pressed for" mean?

The phrase "are pressed for" means that someone or something is experiencing a shortage or scarcity of a particular resource, most commonly time or money. It implies a sense of urgency or constraint.

What can I say instead of "are pressed for"?

You can use alternatives like "are short on", "are lacking in", or "have limited" depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, it is perfectly correct to say "I am pressed for time". This is a common and idiomatic way to express that you have a limited amount of time available.

What's the difference between "are pressed for time" and "are running out of time"?

"Are pressed for time" implies a current shortage, while "are running out of time" suggests that the time is dwindling and will soon be completely gone. The latter indicates a more critical and imminent deadline.