really under pressure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "really under pressure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is experiencing significant stress or demands. Example: "During the final exams, I felt really under pressure to perform well and meet my own expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"I think our generation is really under pressure," says Little.

The Guardian

We always missed the first pass and we never got them really under pressure.

The Guardian - Sport

"Away, away, away, away is never easy, but we managed to get a good result under pressure in Bucharest, because we were really under pressure," Mourinho said.

Independent

He is saying to Iranians: 'We are powerful and and everyone is worried about this' – partly to make the point that they are not really under pressure.

The Guardian

Q: Any difficult time during your Ph.D.? C.R.: I only had 2 years of funding, so I was really under pressure to get this to work.

Science Magazine

Not only did his late goal against Lincoln keep them in the competition, but he played a key role helping out his defenders when his side were really under pressure in the replay.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Yet Mr. Myers is "really calm under pressure, really calm," said Marcia Hale, director of scheduling and advance for Mr. Clinton.

The New York Times

"Bressie is an excellent man, a really solid bloke and a guy that is really calm under pressure".

The Guardian - Sport

I think they've held themselves really well under pressure – both Cook and Broad.

Independent

"In the last couple of Tests their lineout has really been under pressure," Jones said.

The Guardian - Sport

"I was really feeling under pressure, not getting a lot of first serves, and also when I was love‑40 at 2-0 [down in the third set].

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where someone is struggling to meet deadlines or expectations, use "really under pressure" to clearly convey the intensity of the stress.

Common error

Avoid using "really under pressure" repeatedly in a short span of text. Opt for synonyms like "severely stressed" or "facing intense pressure" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really under pressure" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of heightened stress or significant burden. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science & Research

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "really under pressure" effectively conveys a state of high stress or significant demands. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct and usable in written English. While "really under pressure" is suitable for various contexts, it is important to consider the specific tone required, opting for more formal alternatives like "under immense strain" in certain settings. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, indicating its widespread use in describing high-stakes situations. Remember to avoid overuse and explore synonyms like "heavily burdened" or "experiencing extreme demands" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

facing intense pressure

Focuses on the external forces creating the stress.

under immense strain

Suggests a situation pushing someone to their limits.

severely stressed

Highlights the emotional and psychological strain experienced.

experiencing extreme demands

Emphasizes the high level of expectations and requirements.

heavily burdened

Implies a significant weight of responsibility or stress.

pushed to the limit

Highlights being at the edge of one's capabilities due to stress.

grappling with immense challenges

Highlights the difficulties and pressures involved in overcoming significant obstacles.

feeling the heat

An informal idiom indicating high pressure or scrutiny.

in a pressure cooker

Suggests a situation where stress is building up intensely.

up against it

An informal phrase meaning facing difficult circumstances and pressure.

FAQs

How can I use "really under pressure" in a sentence?

You can use "really under pressure" to describe a situation where someone is experiencing significant stress or demands. For example: "During the final exams, I felt "really under pressure" to perform well and meet my own expectations".

What are some alternatives to saying "really under pressure"?

You can use alternatives like "facing intense pressure", "severely stressed", or "heavily burdened", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "really under pressure" in formal writing?

While "really under pressure" is acceptable, in more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "under immense strain" or "experiencing extreme demands" for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "really under pressure" and "slightly stressed"?

"Really under pressure" indicates a high degree of stress and urgency, while "slightly stressed" suggests a milder, more manageable level of stress. The former implies a more critical or demanding situation.