stress

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "stress" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word "stress" when speaking about a feeling of strain or pressure, usually in the context of a difficult situation. Example sentence: "The stress of studying for these exams is getting to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The techniques inflicted on the detainees included hooding suspects, putting them into stress positions, sleep deprivation, food and water deprivation and the use of white noise.

The Guardian

Before homogenization, when there was mystery, before aggregation, when the original had value, before digital, when there was vinyl, before Made in China, when there was Mao, before stress management, when there was romance, we had the impression we were doing all right.

The New York Times

"Over recent decades, technological change, globalization and an erosion of the institutions and practices that support shared prosperity in the U.S. have put the middle class under increasing stress.

The New York Times

Today, the cardiologist said, she would get a stress test, an echocardiogram, a mobile Holter monitor, and maybe even a cardiac catheterization.

The Economist

Maybe get a stress test to confirm that there's no issue, but even that might be overkill.

The Economist

Exercise stimulates the growth and repair of cells in the hippocampus, and induces a more positive mood, making you less susceptible to stress and reducing the amount of cortisol released.

The Guardian

The pressure did get to Wiggins, but it was not stress which slowed him down but the area of atmospheric high pressure which has brought summer weather to the capital.

The Guardian - Sport

It supports them in exam stress and [instead of panicking] it allows them to put space between themselves and a difficult question".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

An eight-month inquiry by the all party group on mindfulness found frontline public servants could be less likely to fall ill with stress, or quit altogether, if they engage in the increasingly popular meditation practice which involves increasing awareness of the present moment to help control anxiety and depression.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Exercise also helps you sleep better, and helps regulate your appetite, two functions that are very much affected by high levels of stress.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Fiddling around with the 16 mid-sized laggards who failed, or marginally passed, the summer stress tests is not enough.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "stress", be specific about its source and the effects it has on individuals or systems. This provides clarity and depth to your communication.

Common error

Avoid attributing "stress" to vague factors. Instead of saying 'the project caused stress', specify which aspects of the project (e.g., tight deadlines, unclear expectations) led to the feeling of stress.

Linguistic Context

The word "stress" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a state of mental or emotional strain or tension. It can also function as a verb, meaning to emphasize or highlight something. Ludwig confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "stress" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb, commonly used to describe feelings of pressure or to emphasize a point. As Ludwig highlights, it's grammatically correct and applicable in diverse situations. Usage analysis indicates that "stress" appears most frequently in news and media, lifestyle content, and formal business contexts, signaling a neutral to formal register. When employing "stress" in writing, specificity is key; instead of merely stating that something caused "stress", clarify the exact source and consequences. Overall, "stress" is a prevalent and adaptable term, vital for expressing a wide range of experiences and conveying emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pressure

Focuses on the external demands causing the difficulty.

anxiety

Highlights the feeling of worry and unease.

tension

Emphasizes the strain and tightness, either physical or emotional.

strain

Suggests a force that is stretching or testing one's limits.

burden

Implies a heavy load that one carries, causing difficulty.

hardship

Refers to conditions that are difficult to endure.

adversity

Focuses on facing challenging or unfavorable circumstances.

difficulty

A general term for something that is not easily done or overcome.

tribulation

Signifies a cause of great trouble or suffering.

ordeal

Indicates a painful or horrific experience, especially a protracted one.

FAQs

How can I use "stress" in a sentence?

You can use "stress" to describe emotional pressure, physical force, or emphasis. For example, "The "stress of" the job is affecting my health" or "We need to "stress the importance" of safety."

What are some alternatives to the word "stress"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "pressure", "anxiety", or "tension". Each carries slightly different connotations.

Is it correct to say 'I am stressed' or 'I have stress'?

Both are commonly used and generally acceptable. "I am stressed" is more common and implies a current state, while "I have stress" suggests a condition or burden you are carrying.

What's the difference between "stress" and "strain"?

"Stress" often refers to the emotional or mental pressure, while "strain" can refer to physical or mental exertion. For example, you might experience "stress" at work, which leads to physical "strain".