pressure

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'pressure' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the force applied by a fluid per unit area, like in the sentence "The pressure of the steam from the boiling water caused the teakettle to whistle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The pressure is on.

The New York Times - Sports

Rodríguez had barely used Ramírez during the qualifiers but had come under immense pressure from fans to bring the player nicknamed 'El Pelé' to the World Cup.

The Guardian - Sport

His task will be similar to the one Edberg encountered with Federer, helping him to understand he would have to accept being passed at the net because if he continued to do it correctly, it would pay off when the pressure was ramped up later in the match.

The Guardian - Sport

Related: Sir Bradley Wiggins smashes Alex Dowsett's hour record – in pictures The Hour is better known for pressure of a different kind: the relentless need for the rider to maintain an even pace, while on the edge of cracking.

The Guardian - Sport

The pressure did get to Wiggins, but it was not stress which slowed him down but the area of atmospheric high pressure which has brought summer weather to the capital.

The Guardian - Sport

The report represents the most significant political pressure yet to bring mindfulness into the mainstream and comes amid a boom in public interest in the practice, rooted in a 2,400-year-old 2,400-year-old 2,400-year-old

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This was a worthy sequel to the previous day, when, as one wit remarked, a party with just one MP had managed a backbench rebellion – as Ukip's solitary presence in Westminster, Douglas Carswell resisted party pressure to take the parliamentary subsidy known as Short money.

The Guardian - Opinion

Damning reports by human rights organisations cataloguing the dire living conditions for many workers tied to their employers by the kafala system and investigations by the Guardian resulted in an international outcry and criticism of Fifa for not doing more to bring pressure to bear.

The Guardian

Or is EU pressure on member states itself undemocratic, as British Eurosceptics would argue?

The Guardian - Opinion

There are currently 400 children's centres in London but they are under pressure from central government spending cuts.

The Guardian

In 2012, Tashkent – facing international pressure over its widely documented use of child labour to harvest its main cash crop – moved to take younger children out of the cotton fields.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pressure" to describe the force exerted on a surface or object, ensuring your units of measurement are clear (e.g., pounds per square inch or Pascals).

Common error

Avoid using "pressure" when simpler terms like "request" or "suggestion" are more appropriate in casual conversations. Overusing formal terms can make your communication sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

Pressure functions primarily as a noun, denoting a physical force or a state of stress. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples show it describing atmospheric conditions, emotional burdens, and political influences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Sport

14%

Opinion

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pressure" is a versatile term primarily used as a noun to describe both physical force and the feeling of stress. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news, sports, and opinion pieces. When writing, be mindful of the context: in formal settings, "pressure" conveys a sense of urgency or obligation, while in casual conversation, simpler terms might be more appropriate. Alternatives like "exertion of force" or "mounting strain" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exertion of force

Focuses on the act of applying force, rather than the state of being pressured.

mounting strain

Highlights the gradual increase of stress or tension.

imposition of stress

Highlights the stress caused by external demands.

external coercion

Specifically denotes force or threat used to make someone do something.

intense demand

Focuses on the demanding aspect of the situation.

application of influence

Emphasizes the act of influencing someone, often subtly.

compelling need

Emphasizes the powerful and undeniable nature of a requirement.

exercise of control

Focuses on the aspect of controlling a situation or person.

urgent necessity

Highlights the crucial and time-sensitive nature of a requirement.

driving impetus

Highlights the force that initiates an action or process.

FAQs

How can I use "pressure" in a sentence?

You can use "pressure" to describe force applied to something, like "The water "pressure in the pipe" is high". It can also describe stress, as in "I'm feeling "under a lot of pressure" at work".

What's a good synonym for "pressure" when talking about stress?

When "pressure" refers to stress, consider alternatives like "stress", "strain", or "burden", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "under pressure"?

Yes, it's perfectly correct and common to say someone is "under pressure". This idiom means they are experiencing stress due to demands or expectations.

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

"Pressure" often refers to external demands or forces acting upon someone or something, while "stress" is the internal response to that "external pressure". You feel stress because of the pressure.