under heavy pressure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under heavy pressure" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to mean that someone is facing a difficult situation where they must do a lot of work quickly or face serious consequences. For example: The IT department was working under heavy pressure to fix the server before the business day began.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Each player is under heavy pressure.

The New York Times - Sports

UK government bonds are also coming under heavy pressure.

The Guardian - Business

He worries that today's teenagers are under heavy pressure.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Under heavy pressure, Favre threw an ugly touchdown pass.

The New York Times

He had come under heavy pressure from British politicians.

The New York Times

The Bush administration is under heavy pressure not to compromise on this front.

The New York Times

And they are under heavy pressure from the west to show they are fighting Isis".

The Guardian

Khenkin, under heavy pressure, blundered his queen and could offer no more resistance.

The New York Times

But OSHA came under heavy pressure from businesses and quickly dropped the initiative.

The New York Times

Hasselbeck dropped back and, under heavy pressure, forced a wobbly pass into double coverage.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The United States government--under heavy pressure from lobbyists in Washington--has Washington--has Washington--has's nuclexclusively.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under heavy pressure", specify the source or cause of the pressure to provide context and clarity. For instance, instead of just saying "He was under heavy pressure", specify "He was under heavy pressure from his investors".

Common error

Avoid using "under heavy pressure" without indicating who or what is exerting the pressure. This can leave the reader wondering about the source and nature of the stress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under heavy pressure" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as an adverbial modifier. It describes the condition or state of someone or something experiencing significant stress or demands, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Encyclopedias

7%

Sports

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under heavy pressure" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe situations of intense stress or demand. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for use in various contexts, particularly in news and media. To ensure clarity, specify the source of the pressure when using this phrase. While alternatives exist, "under heavy pressure" effectively communicates the weight and burden of challenging circumstances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under considerable stress

Focuses on the emotional or mental strain experienced.

experiencing significant strain

Focuses on the wear and tear caused by the pressure.

subject to intense demands

Emphasizes the high expectations and requirements placed on someone.

facing intense scrutiny

Emphasizes being closely and critically examined.

under a mountain of obligations

Suggests an overwhelming number of responsibilities.

grappling with significant challenges

Focuses on the active effort to overcome difficulties.

in a challenging position

Highlights the difficulty and demands of the situation.

contending with substantial adversity

Highlights the unfavorable conditions and obstacles.

in a high-stakes environment

Highlights the potential consequences of the situation.

navigating a critical juncture

Emphasizes the importance of the decision-making process.

FAQs

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

You can use "under heavy pressure" to describe situations where individuals or entities face significant stress or demands, such as "The team was "under heavy pressure" to meet the deadline".

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

Alternatives include phrases like "under considerable stress", "facing intense scrutiny", or "experiencing significant strain" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "under heavy pressures"?

No, the correct form is "under heavy pressure". "Pressure" is typically used as an uncountable noun in this context, so it does not take a plural form.

What's the difference between "under heavy pressure" and "under a lot of pressure"?

Both phrases are similar, but "under heavy pressure" suggests a more intense or significant level of stress or demands compared to "under a lot of pressure".