pressing hard

USAGE SUMMARY

"pressing hard" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in a sentence to mean to apply great physical force or pressure. Example: The door was stuck, so John had to start pressing hard against it to open it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't press your tongue against your teeth, and keep your tongue fairly relaxed, not pressing hard.

WikiHow

Kuban are pressing hard.

The Guardian - Sport

The United States is pressing hard for a vote beforehand.

The New York Times

But with "the other Goldsmith" pressing hard, it will not be for want of trying.

The Economist

At one moment they were pressing too hard, and the next they weren't pressing hard enough.

The New Yorker

The elevator dings and her hand shoots forward, pressing hard on the "close door" button.

The New Yorker

The leadership has insisted that it has been pressing hard for the implementation of the report.

The Guardian

Hospital casualty departments are pressing hard for a "power tools amnesty".

The Guardian

Some companies, like Merck, are pressing hard for the legislation, while others are lukewarm.

The New York Times

The American group is also pressing hard for import duties based on anti-dumping laws.

The New York Times

There was none, and Montgomery, a meter behind after 60 meters, started pressing hard.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pressing hard" to convey a sense of determined effort or insistence, whether physical or metaphorical. For instance, "The team is pressing hard for a victory" shows determination, while "Pressing hard on the wound" indicates physical pressure.

Common error

Avoid using "pressing hard" in overly casual conversations where simpler terms like "trying hard" or "pushing" would suffice. Overuse can make your language sound unnecessarily formal or forceful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pressing hard" functions as a verb phrase typically used to describe the action of applying significant force or effort towards a particular goal or objective. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Wiki

17%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pressing hard" is a versatile and commonly used expression that describes the act of applying significant effort or force. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Its presence across various contexts, particularly in news and media, demonstrates its widespread applicability. While generally neutral, its use can range from describing physical actions to metaphorical efforts in politics, business, and sports. When using this phrase, ensure the level of formality is appropriate for the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exerting pressure

Emphasizes the act of applying influence or force, similar to "pressing hard" but more formal.

pushing strenuously

Highlights the effortful nature of the action, akin to "pressing hard" but with a focus on exertion.

insisting firmly

Focuses on the aspect of demanding or urging something strongly, similar to "pressing hard" in negotiations or requests.

striving vigorously

Emphasizes energetic effort toward a goal, like "pressing hard" towards an achievement.

endeavoring earnestly

Highlights sincere and serious effort, similar to "pressing hard" in a more formal setting.

applying oneself diligently

Focuses on dedicated and careful effort, similar to "pressing hard" in tasks requiring focus.

working tirelessly

Emphasizes continuous and persistent effort, similar to "pressing hard" over an extended period.

pursuing aggressively

Highlights proactive and forceful action, like "pressing hard" in a competitive environment.

lobbying intensely

Specifically refers to exerting influence on decision-makers, similar to "pressing hard" for legislative change.

campaigning vigorously

Emphasizes active and energetic promotion, like "pressing hard" during an election.

FAQs

How can I use "pressing hard" in a sentence?

You can use "pressing hard" to describe a determined effort. For example, "The company is pressing hard to meet its quarterly goals."

What are some alternatives to "pressing hard"?

Alternatives include "exerting pressure", "pushing strenuously", or "insisting firmly" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "pressing hard"?

It's appropriate when describing a situation where significant effort or force is being applied, whether physically or metaphorically. For instance, in sports, politics, or business contexts.

Is there a difference between "pressing hard" and "trying hard"?

"Pressing hard" often implies a more forceful or determined effort than "trying hard". "Pressing hard" suggests a proactive application of force, while "trying hard" can simply indicate effort.