pressures

USAGE SUMMARY

'pressures' is both correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone or something is being subjected to strong demands or expectations. For example, "The pressures of being a student can be overwhelming at times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The pressures are higher than they have ever been before in the system".

The Guardian

Not just pressures on schools, housing and healthcare—though those have been serious... but social pressures too.

The Economist

Never again have I been so quick to presume I understand the pressures other people operate under.

The Guardian - Opinion

The pressures forcing this country apart are strong.

The Guardian - Opinion

Growing evidence of pressures on China's economy are also seen as a key risk to the eurozone's prospects.

The Guardian - Business

It was a difficult decision, especially as I'm the mother of a teen boy so I know only too well that there are just as many pressures on both sexes.

The Guardian

To add salt to the wound of those who felt this was wasted cash, despite Sheffield producing many sporting talents in this period (including Olympic gold medallist Jessica Ennis), Don Valley Stadium, where Ennis trained, finally closed in September 2013 due to extreme financial pressures, and has since been demolished.

The Guardian

Prosecutor Karim Khalil QC told the jury: "For reasons known only to him but which may well be rooted in the pressures of home life and his own inability to cope with the change in his circumstances, he took hold of his own baby, he bit her on the head, he struck her repeatedly and he shook her hard.

The Guardian

"We will hold our prices as long as we can," he told the MPs, adding that his company faced the same pressures as the other firms, with rises in wholesale and network costs, as well as the social and environmental obligations.

The Guardian

In probing the pressures of expectation and prevailing scepticism in the British arts scene, Leigh has made a film about as self-reflective (and self-reflexive) as handsome heritage cinema can be.

The Guardian - Film

The NHS needs leadership of the highest calibre if it is to respond successfully to financial and service pressures that are unprecedented in its history.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "pressures", specify the source and the area affected. For example, instead of saying "there are pressures", clarify with "there are financial pressures on small businesses".

Common error

Avoid using "pressures" without specifying what kind of pressures you're referring to. Be specific: are they financial, social, or emotional pressures? Providing context enhances clarity.

Linguistic Context

The noun "pressures" functions primarily to denote multiple instances or a general state of being under strain or demand. As Ludwig AI highlights, it correctly describes situations involving strong demands or expectations. Examples in Ludwig showcase usage across diverse domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pressures" is a very common and grammatically sound noun used to describe various types of strain or demands. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately conveys situations where strong demands or expectations are present. Predominantly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts, the phrase carries a register ranging from neutral to formal. For alternative phrasing, consider "stressors", "demands", or "constraints" depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey. When using "pressures", specificity regarding the source and area affected enhances clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stressors

Focuses on the specific elements causing pressure.

demands

Highlights the requirements or expectations placed on someone or something.

constraints

Emphasizes limitations or restrictions imposed.

burdens

Implies heavy or difficult responsibilities.

hardships

Focuses on the difficulties and struggles faced.

exertions

Highlights the effort or strain applied.

challenges

Refers to difficult tasks or obstacles.

tribulations

Implies suffering or distress.

difficulties

A general term for problems or challenges.

obligations

Emphasizes duties or commitments that create pressure.

FAQs

How can I use "pressures" in a sentence?

You can use "pressures" to describe various types of strain or demands. For example: "The "pressures of work" were overwhelming", or "Economic "pressures on families" are increasing".

What's a good synonym for "pressures"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms such as "demands", "stressors", or "constraints". Each word emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the original term.

Is it correct to say "pressure" instead of "pressures"?

While "pressure" can refer to a singular instance of strain, "pressures" typically refers to multiple or ongoing strains. Using "pressure" or "pressures" depends on whether you're referring to one specific thing or multiple factors. For example, "the pressure to succeed" versus "the pressures of modern life".

What are common topics discussed when using "pressures"?

Common topics include economic "economic pressures", social "social pressures", environmental "environmental pressures", and political "political pressures". These are often discussed in news, business, and academic contexts.