under considerable duress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under considerable duress" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is experiencing significant pressure or stress, often in a context of coercion or extreme difficulty. Example: "The confession was obtained under considerable duress, raising questions about its validity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The admission he made yesterday, under considerable duress, now releases him from a personal "prison".

Independent

If governments let this slide, they are acquiescing in China's being able to detain any ex diplomat to question him or her, under considerable duress, about anything.

The Washington Post

"On her account... this was a grave example of a marriage which was forced under considerable duress, involving at one stage the production of a gun and physical violence upon her".

Independent

Tiffert added that an alleged confession by Gu would have been made "under considerable duress – duress that would call into question the credibility of the confession in our system".

The Guardian

But these embarrassments are mere preliminaries to what McCain considers the three great mistakes of his adult life: signing a prison confession that he was a war criminal, under considerable duress; his role in the Keating Five savings-and-loan scandal; and his responsibility for the dissolution of his first marriage, to Carol Shepp, after he returned home from Vietnam.

The New Yorker

Under considerable duress following the election, Facebook has expressed its intentions to combat the myriad forms of fake news that run rampant on its massive social platform.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

A woman reluctantly agreed to send literature, though only under considerable lordly duress.

The Guardian

Many children and families affected by HIV/AIDS are destitute or living under considerable economic duress.

AIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV

He was under considerable stress.

The New Yorker

Taiwan is under considerable strain.

Science Magazine

This research evaluates the effects of various elevated temperature cycles and peaks on the compression behaviour of pultruded fibre reinforce polymer (FRP) samples as a means of highlighting the durability and strength of FRP material under conditions designed to replicate considerable environmental duress.

Composite Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under considerable duress", ensure the context clearly demonstrates a situation where someone is not acting out of their own free will, but rather due to significant pressure or coercion. Avoid using it in scenarios where someone is simply facing a challenge or difficult decision without external force.

Common error

Avoid using "under considerable duress" in situations where the pressure is mild or self-imposed. Overusing the phrase dilutes its impact and can make your writing sound melodramatic. Use simpler terms like "under pressure" for less intense situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under considerable duress" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun. It indicates the circumstances or conditions under which an action is performed or a state exists. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "under considerable duress" is a prepositional phrase used to describe situations where someone acts or speaks due to significant pressure or coercion. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability. While "under considerable duress" is relatively uncommon, it appears mostly in news and media contexts and may be used in formal and professional settings. When using the phrase, ensure the context supports the claim that the person was acting against their free will because there were alternative phrases available, such as "under pressure" or "under coercion".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under duress

This is a shorter version of the original phrase, dropping "considerable" and slightly reducing the intensity.

under significant pressure

This alternative uses a more general term, 'pressure', to describe a stressful situation, lacking the specific implication of coercion.

under extreme pressure

This option intensifies the degree of pressure, suggesting a higher level of stress but not necessarily coercion.

under coercion

This alternative directly emphasizes the element of force or compulsion, highlighting a lack of free will.

under compulsion

Similar to "under coercion", this phrase also stresses the lack of choice and being forced to act.

under constraint

This phrase highlights the restriction of freedom, implying external limitations are imposed.

compelled to

This alternative focuses on the feeling of being forced to do something, usually against one's will.

under pressure

A more generic alternative, "under pressure" indicates stress but does not specify the degree or source.

forced into

This version puts more emphasis on the action that was forced onto a person.

in a pressured situation

This alternative focuses on the state of the situation as being pressured rather than emphasizing the duress.

FAQs

How can I use "under considerable duress" in a sentence?

You can use "under considerable duress" to describe situations where someone is experiencing significant pressure or stress, often involving coercion or extreme difficulty. For example: "The confession was obtained "under considerable duress", raising questions about its validity."

What are some alternatives to "under considerable duress"?

You can use alternatives like "under significant pressure", "under coercion", or simply "under duress" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "under considerable duress" in formal writing?

Yes, "under considerable duress" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a relatively strong phrase, so ensure that the context warrants it. More neutral alternatives, such as "under pressure", may be more suitable for less intense situations.

What is the difference between "under duress" and "under considerable duress"?

The phrase "under considerable duress" intensifies the level of pressure compared to simply "under duress". "Considerable" emphasizes that the duress is significant or substantial.