are pressed for time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'are pressed for time' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express the feeling of having too little time to do something. For example, "We are pressed for time to finish this project before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 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

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

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

The New York Times

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

The low vacancy rate means that apartment hunters who are pressed for time — and on a budget — have precious few options.

The New York Times

I like to salt the pumpkin ahead of time to draw out excess moisture, though if you are pressed for time you can skip this step.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

And Kejriwal is pressed for time.

The New Yorker

Suddenly, Djokovic himself is pressed for time.

The New York Times - Sports

ANDERS BORG is pressed for time.

The Economist

The two men also appeared to be pressed for time.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are pressed for time", consider including specific details about the task or situation causing the time constraint. This provides context and clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "are pressed for time" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise language might be expected. Opt for alternatives like "are facing time constraints" for increased formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are pressed for time" functions as a descriptive expression, indicating a state of having limited time. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is both correct and commonly used. This is evident in examples where it modifies nouns such as individuals, teams or resources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

20%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are pressed for time" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a lack of available time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used, particularly in News & Media. While generally acceptable, consider the context. In highly formal settings, alternatives like "are facing time constraints" might be more appropriate. When using "are pressed for time", provide context to clarify the situation causing the time constraint. Remember that many sources use the phrase, so understanding its nuances will allow you to master using it in many writing circumstances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are pushed for time

This is a very similar alternative, swapping "pressed" with "pushed".

are short on time

Focuses on the lack of sufficient time.

are time-constrained

Highlights the limitation imposed by time.

have limited time

Emphasizes the restricted availability of time.

are running out of time

Suggests an imminent deadline or end of the available time.

are up against the clock

Presents the situation as a race against time.

have no time to spare

Indicates a complete absence of extra time.

are under a time crunch

Implies a stressful situation due to lack of time.

are struggling with deadlines

Focuses on the difficulty in meeting required deadlines.

are facing a tight schedule

Highlights the packed nature of the schedule.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are pressed for time" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "are facing time constraints" or "have limited time available".

Is "are pressed for time" appropriate for all types of writing?

While generally acceptable, "are pressed for time" might be too informal for academic or highly professional contexts. Consider using more precise and formal alternatives in those cases.

What does it mean to say someone is "pressed for time"?

To say someone is "pressed for time" means they have very little time available and are likely feeling rushed or constrained by their schedule.

What are some common situations where people "are pressed for time"?

People commonly "are pressed for time" when facing deadlines at work, managing busy family schedules, or trying to complete tasks with insufficient resources.