put pressure

USAGE SUMMARY

"put pressure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various scenarios to mean to exert force or influence on something or someone in order to make them act in a certain way. For example: "The government is putting pressure on large corporations to reduce emissions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Usage

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They put pressure.

The New York Times

I put pressure on myself.

Independent

"Put pressure on the quarterback.

The New York Times - Sports

Where should you put pressure?

The New Yorker

"This will put pressure on the people.

Independent

"It continues to put pressure on Italy".

The New York Times

They could put pressure on me.

The New York Times

I don't put pressure on myself.

The New York Times - Sports

This could put pressure on their finances".

The Guardian - Money

"They tried to put pressure on me.

The New York Times

" 'Don't put pressure on yourself.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs like "pressurize", or more nuanced options like "influence" or "lobby", depending on the specific shade of meaning you intend to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "put pressure" in excessively passive constructions. For example, instead of "Pressure was put on the company", write "Activists put pressure on the company" to make the sentence more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put pressure" functions as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig, it is used to describe the act of exerting influence or force, either physical or metaphorical, on someone or something to achieve a specific outcome. Ludwig examples show different uses of the expression across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Sports

18%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "put pressure" is a common and versatile phrase used to describe the act of exerting influence or force on someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, from news and sports to general conversation. While alternatives like "exert influence" or "apply leverage" exist, the best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using "put pressure", ensure clarity regarding the source and target of the pressure, and avoid overuse of passive constructions for a more direct and impactful style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pressurize

A more direct synonym, but can also refer specifically to increasing physical pressure, not just influence.

bring pressure to bear upon

A more formal variation of "put pressure", suggesting a deliberate and calculated application of influence.

put the squeeze on

Similar to "put pressure" but often implies a more forceful or restrictive approach, especially financially.

exert influence

Focuses on the act of having an effect on someone or something, which can be more subtle than directly "putting pressure".

apply leverage

Implies using a strategic advantage to gain a desired outcome, often in business or negotiations.

bring to bear

Suggests focusing resources or abilities to achieve a specific result, emphasizing a concentrated effort.

influence strongly

Highlights the impact of an action or decision on someone's behavior or thinking.

lean on

Indicates relying heavily on someone or something, often to the point of expecting or demanding support.

exert control over

Emphasizes the power and authority one has to dictate or manage a situation or person.

coerce

Suggests using force or threats to make someone do something against their will, implying a negative connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "put pressure" in a sentence?

You can use "put pressure" to describe actions that compel someone to act a certain way. For example, "The community "put pressure" on the council to improve local schools".

What are some alternatives to "put pressure"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "exert influence", "apply leverage", or "bring to bear" as alternatives to "put pressure".

Is it more appropriate to say "apply pressure" or "put pressure"?

"Apply pressure" and "put pressure" are largely interchangeable. However, "apply pressure" might sound slightly more formal in certain contexts, while "put pressure" is more common in everyday language.

What does it mean to "put pressure" on someone?

To "put pressure" on someone means to try and influence them to do something, often by creating a sense of urgency or obligation. It can involve persuasion, demands, or even threats to achieve a desired outcome.