under intense pressure

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Discretionary spending remains under intense pressure.

The New York Times

Martínez is under intense pressure.

The Guardian - Sport

These folks must be under intense pressure.

The New York Times - Sports

They banter effortlessly under intense pressure.

The New York Times - Arts

The Clinton Administration, under intense pressure from Congress, abandoned Somalia.

The New Yorker

University students are under intense pressure during exam time.

The Guardian

Editors and correspondents work long hours under intense pressure.

The Guardian - Opinion

That was so delicate, and under intense pressure as well.

The Guardian - Sport

Rouhani has already been under intense pressure from his opponents.

The Guardian - Opinion

Serbia had been under intense pressure over Mladic.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, state funding for public universities is under intense pressure.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under intense pressure", ensure the context clearly indicates the source of the pressure and the potential consequences. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "under intense pressure" to describe stressful situations. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "facing immense strain" or "grappling with significant demands" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under intense pressure" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It describes the condition or state in which an action is performed or a situation exists. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently encountered in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Sport

17%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

3%

Science & Research

12%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under intense pressure" is a grammatically correct and highly prevalent expression used to describe situations involving significant stress and demand. As verified by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly employed in news, sports, and academic contexts, reflecting its broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure the source and consequences of the pressure are clear. While effective, vary your language with alternatives like "facing immense strain" or "experiencing considerable stress" to prevent overuse and enhance your writing's impact. The prevalence and versatility of "under intense pressure" make it a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experiencing considerable stress

Directly addresses the mental and emotional impact.

dealing with acute pressure

Acute refers to the intensity and sharpness of the pressure.

facing immense strain

Emphasizes the stress and difficulty experienced.

under the gun

American idiom denoting pressure; feeling threatened.

subjected to extreme duress

Highlights the severity of the pressure and potential suffering.

in a pressure cooker environment

Uses a metaphor to describe the intense and confined nature of the situation.

grappling with significant demands

Focuses on the challenges and requirements being faced.

confronted with overwhelming expectations

Highlights the burden of high expectations.

in a high-stakes situation

Emphasizes the critical nature and potential consequences.

walking a tightrope

Uses a metaphor to suggest a dangerous situation in which mistakes can easily happen.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "under intense pressure" in a sentence?

Use "under intense pressure" to describe situations where someone or something faces significant stress and high expectations. For instance, "The team was "under intense pressure" to meet the deadline." Be sure to identify the source and effects of said pressure.

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

You can use alternatives like "facing immense strain", "experiencing considerable stress", or "grappling with significant demands" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

Is there a difference between "under intense pressure" and "under pressure"?

"Under pressure" generally indicates a state of stress or demand, while ""under intense pressure"" suggests a higher degree of stress and urgency. The addition of "intense" amplifies the level of stress being experienced.

Can "under intense pressure" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, ""under intense pressure"" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, consider your audience and the specific context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone and style of your communication.