keep up the pressure

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep up the pressure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to encourage someone to maintain or continue with a certain level of work or efforts. For example, you might say to a colleague, "Let's keep up the pressure and finish this project ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But pro-democracy politicians would still keep up the pressure.

The Economist

Keep up the pressure!

WikiHow

"We plan to keep up the pressure".

The New York Times

But we will continue to keep up the pressure".

The New York Times

We will keep up the pressure till it does".

The Guardian

The commissioner is right to keep up the pressure.

The New York Times

We just have to keep up the pressure".

The New York Times

They need to keep up the pressure now.

The Guardian - Opinion

And he is right to keep up the pressure.

The Guardian - Business

The key, of course, is to keep up the pressure.

MIT Technology Review

China's economic leverage over North Korea is needed to keep up the pressure to disarm.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep up the pressure", consider the context to ensure it aligns with your intended meaning. It's often used in situations where sustained effort or advocacy is needed to achieve a specific goal.

Common error

Avoid using "keep up the pressure" in contexts where it might imply undue stress or coercion. Ensure that the pressure being applied is perceived as motivating or necessary, rather than harmful or unethical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep up the pressure" functions primarily as a call to action or encouragement. It's used to urge continued effort or advocacy towards a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep up the pressure" is a very common and grammatically correct expression used to encourage continued effort or advocacy. Ludwig AI identifies it as usable in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase serves as a call to action, urging persistence and maintaining momentum. While its register is generally neutral, considering the context is crucial to avoid any unintended implications of coercion. Remember to explore alternatives like "sustain the momentum" or "continue to push" depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

don't let up

A more informal way of saying to not reduce effort or intensity.

continue to push

Emphasizes the act of persistently advancing towards a goal.

keep the heat on

Implies maintaining a high level of scrutiny or challenge.

sustain the momentum

Highlights the importance of not losing the progress already made and continuing forward.

press forward

Stresses the importance of moving ahead despite challenges or resistance.

turn up the heat

Suggests intensifying pressure or effort.

maintain the intensity

Focuses on sustaining a high level of effort, emphasizing the continuation of intensity.

stay on the offensive

Suggests maintaining an aggressive and proactive approach.

apply persistent force

Highlights the continuous application of power or influence to achieve a desired outcome.

persist in the effort

Focuses on maintaining dedication and perseverance in one's actions.

FAQs

How can I use "keep up the pressure" in a sentence?

You can use "keep up the pressure" to encourage continued effort, such as, "We need to "keep up the pressure" on the government to enact meaningful change."

What does "keep up the pressure" mean?

"Keep up the pressure" means to continue applying effort or influence to achieve a specific result or goal. It implies maintaining a consistent and often forceful approach.

What can I say instead of "keep up the pressure"?

Alternatives to "keep up the pressure" include "sustain the momentum", "continue to push", or "don't let up" depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to tell someone to "keep up the pressure"?

No, consider the context and the potential impact. Ensure that the "pressure" is perceived as constructive and not harmful. In sensitive situations, consider using a softer phrase like "maintain the effort".