be under pressure

USAGE SUMMARY

"be under pressure" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to be experiencing stress or feeling overwhelmed by a demanding situation. Example: She was constantly under pressure at work, juggling multiple projects and tight deadlines.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To be under pressure?

Independent

"All goalkeepers will be under pressure.

The Guardian - Sport

The company may be under pressure to close even more.

The Guardian - Business

They will be under pressure to charge, for starters.

The Guardian

Hospitals will be under pressure to take more private patients.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hill will be under pressure to enforce the new rules.

The Guardian

"The leadership will be under pressure," a propaganda official said.

The New York Times

He would also not be under pressure to find work.

The Guardian

However, sales are thought to be under pressure.

The Times

Congress may be under pressure to authorize taxpayer-financed bailouts.

The Washington Post

The 20th-century Command model will be under pressure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be under pressure", clearly specify the source or cause of the pressure to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, "The team will be under pressure to deliver results ahead of schedule" is more effective than simply stating "The team will be under pressure".

Common error

Avoid vague statements about being "under pressure" without clarifying the source. Instead of saying "I'm under a lot of pressure", specify the cause, such as "I'm under a lot of pressure due to the upcoming deadline" to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be under pressure" functions as a descriptive expression, indicating that someone or something is experiencing significant stress or demands. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be under pressure" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a state of stress or strain. Ludwig AI confirms its consistent usage across varied contexts, primarily in News & Media, Sports, and Formal & Business settings. When using this phrase, it is important to specify the source of the pressure for clarity. Alternatives such as "face intense demands" or "experience significant stress" can be used for variety, but the core meaning remains consistent. To avoid overgeneralization, make sure to define the cause of the pressure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

face intense demands

Focuses on the demands themselves rather than the feeling of pressure.

experience significant stress

Emphasizes the emotional and psychological impact of the situation.

operate in a high-stress environment

Shifts focus to the environment causing the pressure, not the state of being.

contend with heavy burdens

Highlights the weight or difficulty of the responsibilities.

shoulder considerable responsibility

Emphasizes the act of bearing responsibility, implying potential pressure.

be in a tight spot

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate a difficult and pressured situation.

feel the heat

Uses an informal, idiomatic expression to describe intense pressure.

bear the brunt

Highlights enduring the worst part of a challenging situation.

be up against it

Indicates facing significant challenges or obstacles.

be stretched thin

Describes being overworked and overburdened with responsibilities.

FAQs

How can I use "be under pressure" in a sentence?

Use "be under pressure" to describe a state of stress caused by demands. For example, "The company will "be under pressure" to increase profits this quarter".

What are some alternatives to "be under pressure"?

You can use alternatives such as "face intense demands", "experience significant stress", or "operate in a high-stress environment" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "be under pressure" or "feel pressured"?

Both phrases are correct, but "be under pressure" typically refers to external forces causing stress, while "feel pressured" emphasizes the internal sensation of stress. For example, "The team will "be under pressure" from management," versus "I "feel pressured" to meet unrealistic goals".

What does it mean to "be under pressure" in a sports context?

In sports, to "be under pressure" means facing a critical situation where performance is crucial, such as during a championship game. It indicates that athletes or teams are experiencing heightened stress and scrutiny. For example, "The quarterback will "be under pressure" to perform well in the final quarter".