under high pressure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'under high pressure' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation where someone is feeling stressed or overwhelmed due to a heavy workload or limited amount of time. For example: "The deadline for the project was fast approaching and I was starting to feel the pressure as I worked under high pressure to finish in time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Chemical plants contain it under high pressure in special tanks.

Independent

"Her milk is under high pressure, and it's almost squirted into their mouths," Dr. Hudson said.

The New York Times - Science

Soon, prototypes were topped by a distinctive thick plastic bottle that held water under high pressure.

The New York Times - Science

The fluid is used under high pressure to fracture rock and release trapped gas.

The Guardian

The researchers, who reported their discovery in Nature, suggest that these diamonds formed under high pressure.

The New York Times - Science

He said the Karen delegation came under "high pressure" to sign an agreement.

The New York Times

Gases under high pressure will come out at the same time as the oil.

The Economist

Although tear-resistant and waterproof, Tyvek does allow air molecules under high pressure to pass through.

The Economist

Studies of matter under high pressure are especially important in a planetary context.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Iranian society has become like molten rock under high pressure: more eruptions are inevitable.

The New York Times

By being too close together, the tubes rubbed against one another when vibrating under high pressure.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical contexts, ensure that "under high pressure" accurately reflects the physical conditions rather than metaphorical stress.

Common error

Avoid using "under high pressure" when describing routine or low-stakes situations. This phrase should be reserved for scenarios involving significant stress, urgency, or physical force to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under high pressure" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating the condition or circumstances under which an action occurs or a state exists. It typically describes situations involving significant stress, urgency, or intense physical force, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under high pressure" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that describes conditions of significant stress, urgency, or intense physical force. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's versatile, appearing in scientific, news, and business contexts. When choosing alternatives, consider options like "subject to intense pressure" or "facing significant stress" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember to reserve "under high pressure" for situations that genuinely warrant the description, avoiding overuse in more relaxed scenarios. Overall, this phrase effectively communicates heightened intensity across a range of applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to intense pressure

Replaces "under" with "subject to" and "high" with "intense", emphasizing the force being applied.

in a pressurized environment

Highlights the environmental conditions causing the stress.

experiencing considerable strain

Emphasizes the tension and exertion involved.

facing significant stress

Substitutes the physical connotation of pressure with the psychological experience of stress.

in a demanding situation

Shifts the focus to the challenging nature of the circumstances.

under duress

Implies coercion or force, adding a negative connotation.

in a high-stakes scenario

Focuses on the importance of the outcome and the risks involved.

with great urgency

Focuses on the time constraint and need for immediate action.

confronting a crisis

Highlights the challenging situation requiring immediate response.

in a critical state

Emphasizes the severity and potential consequences of the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "under high pressure" to describe situations involving stress, urgency, or significant physical force. For example: "The team worked "under high pressure" to meet the deadline."

What are some alternatives to "under high pressure"?

Alternatives include "subject to intense pressure", "facing significant stress", or "in a demanding situation", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "under a high pressure" instead of "under high pressure"?

No, the correct phrasing is "under high pressure". The article "a" is not needed because "pressure" is being used in a general sense.

What's the difference between "under high pressure" and "under pressure"?

"Under pressure" generally indicates stress or obligation, while "under high pressure" implies a more extreme or critical level of stress or a significantly higher level of physical force.