be pressed for time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be pressed for time" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to convey the feeling of having limited time to complete a task, or having to make quick decisions. Example: With the deadline quickly approaching, I'm feeling pressed for time to finish this project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Before the series begins, the Knicks will be pressed for time.

The New York Times - Sports

Racing teams are carrying their usual array of extra engines and tires, but will be pressed for time.

The New York Times - Sports

It's unlikely to be that interesting, but senior researchers can be pressed for time and will happily part with some of their grant in exchange for your work.

Independent

To be pressed for time has become a sign of prosperity, an indicator of social status, and one that most people are inclined to claim.

The Economist

However, with less than five months to go until the general election in May and backing for the SNP on the rise, Mr Murphy will be pressed for time in trying to halt Labour's declining support in Scotland.

Independent

For the moment, though, Waxman said he will continue to focus on an end to debate within his own committee, as he expects Energy and Commerce will also be pressed for time this summer.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

With only a half-hour with each candidate, he was pressed for time and forced to rush through topics while bringing in audience questions and timely follow-ups.

Huffington Post

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

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

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be pressed for time", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is experiencing the time constraint. For example, "The project team is pressed for time to meet the deadline."

Common error

Avoid using "be pressed for time" as an active statement. It's generally used in the passive voice to describe a state of being. For example, instead of saying "Time presses me", use "I am pressed for time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be pressed for time" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating a lack of sufficient time to complete a task or meet a deadline. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, commonly used to convey time constraints.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be pressed for time" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to convey a sense of urgency or a lack of sufficient time. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It appears most frequently in News & Media, but also in Science and Formal & Business contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear about who is experiencing the time constraint and avoid using it in active voice. Alternatives include phrases like "short on time" or "time-constrained".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short on time

This alternative uses "short" instead of "pressed", implying a lack of time.

pushed for time

Replaces "pressed" with "pushed", maintaining a similar meaning of external pressure.

strapped for time

Similar to "pressed", but uses "strapped" to emphasize a limited resource.

time-constrained

This alternative uses an adjective to describe the state of being limited by time.

rushed for time

Uses "rushed" to convey a hurried state due to lack of time.

under a tight deadline

This focuses on the deadline pressure rather than a general lack of time.

in a time crunch

Emphasizes the difficult situation created by the limited time available.

running out of time

This implies the process of time diminishing, creating a sense of urgency.

with limited time available

A more descriptive and literal way of expressing the lack of time.

up against the clock

This alternative uses a metaphorical expression to convey the pressure of time.

FAQs

How can I use "be pressed for time" in a sentence?

Use "be pressed for time" to indicate that someone or something has very little time to do something. For example, "Since I "am pressed for time", I'll keep this meeting brief."

What's the difference between "be pressed for time" and "be short on time"?

"Be pressed for time" and "be short on time" are very similar. "Be pressed for time" often implies a greater sense of urgency or external pressure than "be short on time".

What are some alternatives to "be pressed for time"?

Alternatives include "short on time", "time-constrained", or "running out of time", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I'm pressing for time"?

No, "I'm pressing for time" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrase is "I "am pressed for time"", which uses the passive voice to describe the state of having limited time.