severe pressure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severe pressure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is experiencing intense stress or demands, often in a work or personal context. Example: "The team was under severe pressure to meet the project deadline, leading to long hours and heightened stress levels."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Insurance companies also came under severe pressure.

The New York Times

Others believe retailers are under severe pressure.

The Guardian - Business

No inside coating can withstand severe pressure.

The New York Times

Back in Ottawa, though, he was under severe pressure.

The Guardian - Sport

He's used to intense training, severe pressure and being judged.

The Guardian - Sport

They also put severe pressure on each woman to retract.

The Guardian - Opinion

7.34pm BST Malaga are coming under severe pressure now.

The Guardian - Sport

Core mobile activities also remain under quite severe pressure.

The Guardian - Business

The falls will place severe pressure on margins.

The Guardian

Rising food prices also put severe pressure on food aid.

The Economist

In many instances, profits are under severe pressure.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing situations where individuals or organizations are facing significant challenges, use "severe pressure" to convey the intensity of the situation. For example, "The hospital system is under "severe pressure" due to the increasing number of Covid-19 cases."

Common error

Avoid using "severe pressure" to describe mild inconveniences or everyday situations. It should be reserved for scenarios involving genuine hardship or significant challenges. Using it loosely can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe pressure" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "severe" modifies the noun "pressure", indicating a high degree of intensity or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and widespread use in various contexts, with examples highlighting its role in describing stress, strain, or coercion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "severe pressure" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe intense stress or strain. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal contexts, indicating its versatility and broad applicability. When writing, it is important to reserve this phrase for situations involving genuine hardship or significant challenges to maintain its intended impact. Alternatives such as "intense strain" or "extreme stress" can be considered based on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense pressure

Focuses on the level of intensity of the pressure.

enormous pressure

Highlights the sheer magnitude of the force or stress.

intense strain

Focuses on the stress or burden experienced.

extreme stress

Emphasizes the high degree of stress involved.

heavy burden

Highlights the weight or difficulty imposed.

immense strain

Underscores the considerable amount of strain present.

significant duress

Indicates a state of hardship or coercion.

acute stress

Highlights the sudden and intense onset of stress.

considerable stress

Emphasizes the large amount of stress involved.

substantial burden

Focuses on the significant weight of the imposed difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "severe pressure" to describe situations where someone or something is experiencing intense strain or stress. For instance, "The company was under "severe pressure" to meet its quarterly targets."

What are some alternatives to "severe pressure"?

Alternatives to "severe pressure" include "intense strain", "extreme stress", or "heavy burden", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "severe pressure" in formal writing?

Yes, "severe pressure" is suitable for formal writing as it is a clear and concise way to describe intense stress or strain. It is commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and business reports.

What's the difference between "severe pressure" and "strong pressure"?

"Severe pressure" implies a higher degree of intensity and difficulty compared to "strong pressure". "Severe" suggests a situation that is critical or potentially damaging, while "strong" indicates a significant but not necessarily critical level of stress.