come under pressure

USAGE SUMMARY

"come under pressure" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to be put in a situation where one feels stressed or challenged. Example: The company's stock prices have started to come under pressure due to the recent economic downturn.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some colleagues did, however, come under pressure.

Independent

Stock prices come under pressure.

The New York Times

Some marketing deals have come under pressure.

The New York Times

Political protesters also come under pressure here.

The New York Times

Read's position might also come under pressure.

The Guardian - Business

But this restriction is starting to come under pressure.

The Economist

Mr Rajoy will come under pressure to respond.

The Economist

Will come under pressure for his place from Tom Wood.

The Guardian - Sport

Natural gas supplies could also come under pressure.

The New York Times

76mins: City are finally starting to come under pressure now.

The Guardian - Sport

Does he ever come under pressure to sell? "Oh yeah.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "come under pressure", consider the source and intensity of the pressure. Specifying the cause of the pressure adds clarity and impact to your writing. For example, instead of saying 'The project came under pressure', say 'The project came under pressure due to budget cuts'.

Common error

Avoid using "come under pressure" with an unclear subject. Ensure it's evident who or what is experiencing the pressure. For instance, instead of simply writing 'Pressure was felt', specify 'The team came under pressure to meet the deadline'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come under pressure" functions as a verb phrase indicating that a subject is experiencing stress, scrutiny, or difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage. This phrase often describes a situation where external forces are creating challenging conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "come under pressure" is a versatile idiom used to describe situations where individuals, organizations, or even abstract concepts are facing increased stress, scrutiny, or challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and business contexts. When using this phrase, consider clarifying the source of the pressure to enhance the impact of your writing. While "come under pressure" is generally appropriate, alternatives such as "face scrutiny" or "encounter challenges" may offer a more nuanced meaning depending on the specific context. Be mindful of the subject's clarity to avoid vagueness and ensure your writing remains precise and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be subjected to stress

Focuses on the experience of being exposed to mental or emotional strain.

face scrutiny

Emphasizes being subjected to critical observation or examination.

be in a difficult position

Describes being in a challenging or unfavorable situation.

feel the heat

Indicates experiencing intense pressure or scrutiny.

be put to the test

Emphasizes facing a situation that challenges one's abilities or resilience.

encounter challenges

Highlights the experience of dealing with difficulties or obstacles.

be up against it

Describes being in a difficult or challenging situation with limited resources.

experience hardship

Suggests facing difficult or adverse conditions.

be in hot water

Implies being in trouble or facing criticism.

be under the cosh

Suggests being subjected to oppressive control or pressure.

FAQs

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

The phrase "come under pressure" is used to describe a situation where someone or something is facing stress, scrutiny, or challenges. For example, 'The company's profits "came under pressure" due to increased competition'.

What is a similar phrase to "come under pressure"?

Similar phrases include "face scrutiny", "be subjected to stress", or "encounter challenges". The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "coming under pressure"?

Yes, "coming under pressure" is the continuous form of the phrase and is grammatically correct. It suggests that the pressure is increasing or currently happening. For instance, 'The team is "coming under pressure" to deliver the project on time'.

What does it mean when something is said to "come under pressure"?

When something is said to "come under pressure", it means that it is facing increased demands, scrutiny, or stress, often leading to potential difficulties or challenges. It implies a situation where one is being tested or challenged.