pressure is building

USAGE SUMMARY

"pressure is building" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation in which tension or stress is increasing. For example, you could say: "The deadline for the project is approaching, and the pressure is building on the team to finish on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But pressure is building.

The Economist

Pressure is building elsewhere.

The Guardian - Business

The pressure is building.

The Guardian

Three months later, the pressure is building.

The New York Times

Pressure is building on Cablevision.

The New York Times - Sports

Now the pressure is building.

The Washington Post

76 min: American pressure is building.

The Guardian - Sport

Already, pressure is building on Mr. Samaras's fragile coalition government.

The New York Times

Pressure is building on Turkey to take the lead.

The Economist

But extreme pressure is building in the production chain.

The New York Times

Pressure is building across Europe for tougher, quicker action.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pressure is building" to effectively communicate the growing intensity of a situation, especially when deadlines are approaching, or conflicts are emerging.

Common error

Avoid using "pressure is building" in overly casual conversations. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "things are getting intense" or "the heat is on" for better resonance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pressure is building" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that stress or tension is progressively increasing. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pressure is building" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe situations where tension or urgency is increasing. Ludwig AI validates its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news, business, and professional settings. While versatile, it's best to use it mindfully in informal settings. Consider alternatives like "tension is mounting" or "things are heating up" to suit different communication styles. Understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register will help you employ it effectively in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tension is mounting

Focuses on the increase in emotional or relational strain.

strain is intensifying

Highlights the growing stress or burden on a system or entity.

urgency is growing

Emphasizes the increasing need for immediate action or resolution.

stakes are rising

Shifts the focus to the potential consequences or rewards at risk.

crisis is brewing

Implies an impending problem or disaster.

challenge is escalating

Highlights the increasing difficulty or complexity of a task or problem.

things are heating up

Informal expression suggesting increasing excitement or tension.

situation is worsening

Focuses on the decline or deterioration of circumstances.

countdown is on

Indicates a limited time frame with increasing anticipation or anxiety.

a storm is gathering

Figurative language suggesting an approaching period of trouble or conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "pressure is building" in a sentence?

You can use "pressure is building" to describe a situation where tension, stress, or urgency is increasing. For example, "As the deadline approaches, the "pressure is building" on the team to complete the project."

What's a more formal alternative to "pressure is building"?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "tension is mounting" or "strain is intensifying" for a more professional tone.

What can I say instead of "pressure is building" in a casual context?

For informal situations, try phrases such as "things are heating up" or "the heat is on" to convey the increasing intensity in a more relaxed manner.

Is it correct to say "pressure is being built" instead of "pressure is building"?

While "pressure is being built" is grammatically correct, ""pressure is building"" is more commonly used and often sounds more natural. "Pressure is being built" may be used when emphasizing a deliberate effort to increase pressure.