exert pressure on

USAGE SUMMARY

"exert pressure on" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is often used to indicate that someone is trying to influence someone else to act in a certain way. For example: "The boss exerted pressure on the employees to meet their deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And one way to accomplish this is to exert pressure on them via Trump's base.

The New Yorker

Finding ways to exert pressure on the military is essential.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then I used a small ziploc bag full of coins to exert pressure on the FSR.

University of California, Berkeley

Some observers suggested that Hu had come to exert pressure on Cambodia.

Yale University

Exert pressure on the subacromial bursa, which lies lateral to and beneath the acromion.

Stanford University

Both seats are shaping up to be critical and may exert pressure on the Coalition partnership.

The Guardian

"A new approach is needed to exert pressure on the paramilitaries to make them stop".

The Guardian

Tens of thousands of activists demonstrated to exert pressure on negotiators, and rightly so.

The Guardian - Opinion

Arab states allied with the US feel unable to exert pressure on Washington.

The Guardian - Opinion

US politicians have used the payments to exert pressure on Musharraf.

The Guardian

Social movements exert pressure on internal processes of change, which are inherently incremental and cautious.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about political or social issues, consider using "exert pressure on" to describe how different groups attempt to influence policy or public opinion.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "exert pressure on" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "push" or "encourage" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exert pressure on" functions as a verb phrase, where "exert" is the main verb and "pressure" is its direct object. It describes the action of applying force or influence on someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exert pressure on" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies an attempt to influence or compel someone into action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reporting and academic discourse to formal business communications. While it's most frequently found in News & Media sources, its presence in Academia and Science demonstrates its broad applicability. When aiming for a less formal tone, alternatives like "put pressure on" might be more appropriate. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and context-aware communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put pressure on

Replaces "exert" with "put", a more common and less formal verb, indicating a similar action of applying influence.

apply pressure to

Uses "apply" instead of "exert", focusing on the act of directing force or influence.

bring influence to bear on

More formal and emphasizes the application of influence rather than direct force.

exercise influence over

Emphasizes the control or power one has over someone or something.

pressurize

A more direct term that implies applying stress or urgency.

coerce

A more forceful term implying the use of threats or intimidation to achieve a desired outcome.

lean on

Informal way to express applying pressure, suggesting reliance and influence.

influence

A broader term that covers both subtle and forceful methods of persuasion.

put the squeeze on

An idiomatic expression suggesting intense pressure, often for financial reasons.

dominate

This term implies more power than simple pressure, this is applicable if pressure is overwhelming

FAQs

What does "exert pressure on" mean?

The phrase "exert pressure on" means to apply influence or force to try to make someone do something. It suggests a deliberate effort to persuade or compel someone to act in a specific way.

What can I say instead of "exert pressure on"?

You can use alternatives like "put pressure on", "apply pressure to", or "bring influence to bear on" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "exert pressure on" in formal writing?

Yes, "exert pressure on" is appropriate for formal writing. It is grammatically correct and conveys a clear and professional tone, suitable for academic, business, and journalistic contexts.

What is the difference between "exert pressure on" and "influence"?

"Exert pressure on" implies a more direct and forceful attempt to change someone's behavior, while "influence" is a broader term that can include subtle or indirect methods of persuasion.