press

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "press" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as referring to applying pressure or in the context of media and journalism. Example: "Please press the button to start the machine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is untrue from start to finish, and was quite likely dreamt up by the Labour press office.

The Guardian

It's certainly not true that it found "only a quarter [of LGBT people] would wed", as the Mail said in its headline – and Catholic Voices said in their press release.

The Guardian

Gina McCarthy, who heads the EPA, said in a press call last week that her agency had found that 80% of small business owners supported the rule, as did a majority of those individuals and organizations who submitted public comments in the run-up to the rule's introduction.

The Guardian

The principle is simple in theory — Beijing is responsible for the city's defence and foreign affairs; Hong Kong enjoys limited self-governance and civil liberties, including an independent judiciary and unrestricted press.

The Guardian

The head of an alleged New South Wales Liberal party slush fund receiving regular payments from Australian Water Holdings (AWH) was involved in drafting letters, press releases and parliamentary questions on behalf of senior Liberals aimed at boosting the water company's interests.

The Guardian

Whether the action's beneficiaries in the streets below appreciated the reference to the Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling was not recorded, but in a press release, activists did claim that a woman who had been trying to collect money for a bus ride was able to pay her fare with the free money.

The Guardian - Opinion

With the press threatening to cut up rough, Alastair Campbell staged a reconciliation between them for the cameras.

The Guardian - Opinion

The vote is expected at around 5pm UK time but a planned press conference with the winner has been postponed until Saturday morning.

The Guardian - Sport

Belarus will lose two-thirds of its independent press.

The Guardian

At the Sea Life aquarium in Auckland, New Zealand, Sony technicians working with the aquarium's animal trainers taught Rambo, a female octopus, to press the shutter on a special camera and take pictures of the visiting public (each photo sells for $NZ2 to support the aquarium's conservation programmes).

The Guardian

Cornish pasty rebel George Eustice, MP for Camborne and Redruth, a former Hague press secretary and defector from Ukip, is part of the team.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "press" to mean to exert influence or pressure, clearly specify the target and desired outcome to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "press" interchangeably with "pressure". "Press" is a verb (action), while "pressure" is a noun (state). For example, say "They will press for changes" not "They will pressure for changes".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "press" varies depending on the context. It can function as a verb, meaning to apply force or to urge, or as a noun, referring to the media or a device for applying pressure. Ludwig AI provides examples that highlight both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "press" is a versatile term that functions as both a verb and a noun, with meanings ranging from applying physical force to referring to news media. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals that its usage is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news and formal business contexts. To avoid confusion, it's important to distinguish between "press" (the action) and "pressure" (the state). Common alternatives include "urge", "emphasize", and "the media", depending on the intended meaning. This detailed guide, supported by real-world examples, helps ensure clarity and accuracy in using the term "press" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exert pressure

This alternative emphasizes the act of applying force or influence to achieve a specific outcome.

apply force

Focuses on the physical action of exerting power or strength.

urge

Implies a strong recommendation or encouragement, often in a persuasive manner.

insist

Suggests a firm and unwavering demand or assertion.

emphasize

Highlights the importance or significance of something.

stress

Similar to emphasize, but may also imply a sense of urgency or concern.

compress

Indicates reducing in volume or size by applying force.

squeeze

Similar to compress, but often suggests a more forceful or confined application of pressure.

the media

Refers specifically to news outlets and journalists, rather than the act of pressing.

the newspapers

Another way to refer to printed news publications.

FAQs

How can I use "press" in a sentence?

You can use "press" as a verb to mean to apply force, exert influence, or urge. For example, "Please "press the button"", "They will "press for changes"", or "The "press conference" will start soon".

What are some synonyms for "press" when it means to exert influence?

Alternatives include "urge", "encourage", "push for", or "lobby for". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "press" and "pressure"?

"Press" is primarily a verb, indicating the act of applying force or influence, while "pressure" is a noun, referring to the state of being subjected to force or influence. For example, you can "press" a button (verb), and that action creates "pressure" (noun).

What does "press" mean in the context of journalism?

In journalism, "press" refers to the collective body of journalists and news organizations. For example, "The "freedom of the press"" is a crucial principle in democratic societies.