pressed for time

USAGE SUMMARY

"pressed for time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe when someone is short on time and needs to finish something quickly. Example sentence: My project is due tomorrow, and I'm really pressed for time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Suddenly, Djokovic himself is pressed for time.

The New York Times - Sports

And Kejriwal is pressed for time.

The New Yorker

ANDERS BORG is pressed for time.

The Economist

Were they a bit pressed for time?

The Guardian

"That's the beauty of it when you're pressed for time".

The New York Times

Just watch the first minute if you're pressed for time.

The New Yorker

Everyone is so pressed for time now, and he's not.

Independent

When pressed for time, the savvy reader starts there.

The New York Times

Simply put: "Women are more pressed for time," he said.

The New York Times

If you are pressed for time, sit at the bar.

The New York Times - Travel

But the feature can be turned off if the owner is pressed for time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pressed for time", clearly indicate the task or activity being affected by the time constraint. For example, "I'm pressed for time to finish this report."

Common error

Avoid using "pressed for time" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "time-constrained" or "experiencing time limitations" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pressed for time" functions as an adjective phrase describing a state of being busy or lacking sufficient time. Ludwig shows that this phrase is commonly used to explain why someone cannot dedicate more time to a task or activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

23%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pressed for time" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that one is short on time or in a hurry. According to Ludwig, it’s widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. While generally neutral in register, it’s advisable to use more formal alternatives in academic writing. To avoid misuse, ensure you contextualize the phrase by specifying the task or activity affected. Remember, Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and offers numerous examples of its real-world usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short on time

Emphasizes a lack of sufficient time.

in a hurry

Indicates a state of needing to move or act quickly.

rushed

Focuses on the act of doing things quickly due to time constraints.

running out of time

Suggests the depletion of available time.

up against the clock

Highlights the pressure of a deadline.

under time pressure

Highlights the stress associated with limited time.

in a time crunch

Highlights being in a difficult situation due to lack of time.

time-constrained

Formally describes being limited by time.

strapped for time

Informally suggests a lack of time resources.

against the deadline

Focuses on struggle to meet a deadline.

FAQs

How can I use "pressed for time" in a sentence?

You can say, "I'm "pressed for time", so let's make this meeting quick," or "She couldn't attend the event because she was "pressed for time"."

What is a more formal alternative to "pressed for time"?

In formal settings, consider using phrases like "time constrained", "experiencing time limitations", or "under time pressure".

Is it appropriate to use "pressed for time" in professional emails?

Yes, ""pressed for time"" is suitable for professional emails when you need to explain a delay or request a quick response. However, consider your audience and the overall formality of the communication.

What's the difference between ""pressed for time"" and "short on time"?

Both phrases are similar, but ""pressed for time"" may imply a slightly higher degree of urgency or stress compared to "short on time". They are often interchangeable in casual conversation.