be under stress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be under stress" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of experiencing pressure or anxiety, often in relation to work or personal situations. Example: "During the final exams, many students tend to be under stress due to the heavy workload."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

But does Israel want them to be under stress?

The New York Times

It's fine to be under stress – talk about it and we can support you to manage it".

The Guardian

If your business doesn't have enough cash, you will be under stress.

The New York Times

Volunteer to help colleagues who seem to be under stress, asking what you can take off their plate, Ms. Mackenzie said.

The New York Times

Separately, there was an indication yesterday that Google's vaunted corporate culture may be under stress as a result of competition and the stock offering.

The New York Times

The American family may be under stress, but most children still live in two-parent households, the Census Bureau reported Wednesday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Families are under stress.

The Economist

Sorry, I know you're under stress.

The New Yorker

The river system is under stress.

The Guardian

Teachers working hard are under stress.

The Guardian

She added, "When people are under stress, color is uplifting".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of situations or conditions on individuals or systems, use "be under stress" to clearly indicate that they are experiencing pressure or strain. For example, "The healthcare system is under stress due to the pandemic".

Common error

While "be under stress" is widely accepted, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "feeling stressed" or "having a tough time" when speaking informally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be under stress" functions as a predicative expression, typically describing the state of a subject experiencing pressure or strain. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a valid and widely used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

26%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be under stress" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to describe the condition of experiencing pressure or strain. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely accepted and appropriate for various contexts. While primarily found in news, scientific, and academic sources, it can also appear in business and general writing. When aiming for a more casual tone, consider alternatives. Keep in mind that "be stressed" usually describes the person's emotional state, while "be under stress" can apply to systems or individuals experiencing pressure. Its prevalent usage confirms its place in the English language, making it a valuable tool for expressing conditions of strain or difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel overwhelmed

Describes the sensation of being unable to cope with the amount of stress.

experience pressure

Focuses on the feeling of external forces acting upon someone, instead of the state of being affected.

feel strained

Emphasizes the emotional or mental toll taken, less about the external causes.

be pushed to the limit

Emphasizes the extreme level of stress experienced.

be subjected to strain

Highlights the imposition of stress by an external source.

be burdened with

Focuses on the weight or load causing the stress.

endure hardship

Implies a longer-term, more significant period of difficulty than just "stress".

be in a difficult situation

Generalizes the problem to a broader context of adversity.

face challenges

Highlights the active confrontation of problems rather than the passive experience of stress.

deal with adversity

Emphasizes coping with difficult circumstances.

FAQs

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

Use "be under stress" to describe situations or individuals experiencing significant pressure or strain. For example: "The team will "be under stress" to meet the deadline".

What are some alternatives to "be under stress"?

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives like "feel strained", "experience pressure", or "feel overwhelmed".

Is it more appropriate to say "be under stress" or "feel stress"?

"Be under stress" generally describes a state of being affected by pressure, while "feel stress" emphasizes the subjective experience of stress. Both are correct but carry slightly different nuances.

What's the difference between "be under stress" and "be stressed"?

"Be stressed" typically describes a person's emotional state, whereas "be under stress" can apply to systems, organizations, or individuals experiencing pressure from external factors. For example, "The bridge is "is under stress"" versus "I "am stressed"".