pressure to succeed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'pressure to succeed' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of expectation or responsibility to reach a certain goal or succeed in some way. For example: "The pressure to succeed was overwhelming for the students at the prestigious school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is pressure to succeed".

The New York Times - Sports

Both were under significant pressure to succeed.

The New York Times - Sports

"The pressure to succeed is stiff".

The New York Times - Sports

The pressure to succeed is enormous.

The New York Times

"I feel a lot of pressure to succeed.

The New York Times - Style

But Mr. Cline and the teachers feel pressure to succeed.

The New York Times

The pressure to succeed has never been fiercer.

The Guardian

At Northwestern, the pressure to succeed was intense.

The New York Times

The pressure to succeed has increased in recent years.

The Guardian

Indeed, many Japanese want U.S. pressure to succeed.

The New York Times

My middle-school students are feeling the pressure to succeed.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing societal or cultural phenomena, use "pressure to succeed" to highlight the external expectations and standards influencing individuals or groups. For example, "In many East Asian cultures, there is immense "pressure to succeed" academically."

Common error

Avoid using "pressure to succeed" in contexts where internal motivation is the primary driver. If the focus is on personal ambition rather than external expectations, consider using alternatives like "desire to excel" or "drive to achieve".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pressure to succeed" functions as a noun phrase describing the feeling of being compelled to achieve a specific goal or outcome. As Ludwig AI explains, it conveys a sense of expectation and responsibility. Many examples on Ludwig highlight this sense of external demand.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pressure to succeed" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that describes the feeling of obligation or expectation to achieve a particular goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely employed across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. The analysis reveals that while the phrase maintains a neutral register, its usage is more frequent in news and media, followed by academic settings. While this "pressure to succeed" can be a strong motivator, it's crucial to be mindful of its potential negative impacts on mental well-being and to prioritize healthy approaches to achievement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demand for achievement

Shifts the focus to an external expectation, highlighting the requirement for results.

need to achieve

Focuses on the necessity of attainment, omitting the external force aspect.

obligation to excel

Highlights the duty to surpass expectations, using a more refined verb.

burden of accomplishment

Emphasizes the weight and responsibility associated with achieving success.

urge to triumph

Highlights the internal drive for victory, using a more emotive verb.

drive to thrive

Focuses on the intrinsic motivation to flourish, simplifying the concept of success.

aspiration to prevail

Highlights the desire to overcome obstacles and achieve victory, using more formal language.

compulsion to win

Emphasizes the obsessive nature of achieving success, implying a lack of choice.

incentive to flourish

It focuses on how the phrase can have an element of growth and prosperity.

imperative to prosper

Presents success as a non-negotiable command, using a more formal verb.

FAQs

How can I use "pressure to succeed" in a sentence?

You can use "pressure to succeed" to describe situations where individuals feel compelled to achieve a certain level of success, often due to external expectations. For example, "The students felt immense "pressure to succeed" in their exams."

What are some alternatives to "pressure to succeed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "need to achieve", "urge to triumph", or "demand for achievement".

Is it correct to say "pressured to succeed" instead of "pressure to succeed"?

"Pressured to succeed" is a passive construction indicating that someone is being influenced, while "pressure to succeed" describes the overall environment or expectation. Both are grammatically correct but have different meanings.

How does the "pressure to succeed" affect individuals?

The "pressure to succeed" can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and even burnout, especially when individuals perceive the expectations as unattainable. Understanding this dynamic is crucial in fostering healthier approaches to achievement.