high pressure

USAGE SUMMARY

"high pressure" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation (such as a job or a relationship) in which there is a significant amount of stress or difficulty. Example sentence: "The new job put a lot of high pressure on John to perform well from the start."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

High Pressure Res.

Nature

"We play with high pressure," Altidore said.

The New York Times

How about high pressure, what usually happens?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Flywheels, capacitors and high pressure tanks.

Stanford University

He is in a high pressure environment.

The New York Times

We're up-tempo and high pressure.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

— high-pressure liquid chromatography.

The New Yorker

Electricity, high-pressure power tools.

The New Yorker

It's a high-pressure game.

Independent

* Avoid high-pressure deals.

The New York Times

§ 56.13021 High-pressure hose connections.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing demanding work environments, use "high pressure" to accurately convey the intensity and stress involved. For example, “The emergency room is a "high pressure" environment.”

Common error

Avoid using "high pressure" when simply describing a busy or hectic situation without a genuine element of stress or urgency. Overusing the phrase dilutes its impact and can sound melodramatic. Instead, use more fitting descriptions like “fast-paced” or “demanding”.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "high pressure" primarily functions as a compound adjective modifying a noun. It describes the intensity or stress level associated with the noun. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in describing environments like “high pressure environment” or situations like “high pressure job”. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "high pressure" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that functions as a compound adjective, primarily to describe situations, environments, or roles characterized by significant stress and demand. As Ludwig highlights, it's versatile enough to be used in science, news, academia, and more, and is understood to convey that a scenario is challenging and requires careful management. To avoid misuse, make sure that there is a real element of stress or urgency before using "high pressure". Consider alternatives like "intense strain" or "severe duress" to refine your meaning further.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable stress

A more formal way of saying "high pressure", indicating a notable amount of strain.

extreme stress

Highlights the elevated levels of stress involved, particularly in demanding situations.

extreme tension

Focuses on the heightened state of anxiety and strain, suggesting a potential breaking point.

intense strain

Focuses on the stress and strain experienced under pressure, highlighting the physical or emotional burden.

intense demand

Focuses on the demanding nature of the situation, highlighting the requirements and expectations.

severe duress

Emphasizes the hardship and suffering endured due to significant pressure.

significant force

Emphasizes the application of considerable power or influence to achieve a certain outcome.

great urgency

Shifts the focus to the time-sensitive aspect, indicating the need for prompt action under pressure.

heavy burden

Emphasizes the weight and responsibility associated with the situation, indicating a significant load.

critical situation

Highlights the urgency and importance of the circumstances, often implying a potential crisis.

FAQs

How can I use "high pressure" in a sentence?

You can use "high pressure" to describe environments, situations, or even people. For example, "Working in sales can be a "high pressure" job", or "The company is under "high pressure" to deliver results".

What are some alternatives to "high pressure"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "intense strain", "severe duress", or "extreme stress" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "highly pressured" instead of "high pressure"?

While "highly pressured" is grammatically correct, "high pressure" is more commonly used and idiomatic when describing situations or environments. "Highly pressured" might be more appropriate to describe a person's emotional state.

What's the difference between "high pressure" and "under pressure"?

"High pressure" describes the external conditions, while "under pressure" describes the state of being affected by those conditions. For example, "The "high pressure" environment caused him to feel "under pressure"".