under major pressure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under major pressure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is experiencing significant stress or demands. Example: "The team was under major pressure to meet the project deadline, leading to long hours and intense focus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But the established threats like Serena and Venus Williams, Jankovic, Henin and even Samantha Stosur seem to be the bigger threats, but under major pressure.

The New York Times - Sports

His reputation, his transfer fee, his wages, and not least his accent will ensure that he is a marked man, and placed under major pressure, as soon as he arrives in Auckland in time for Christmas.

The Guardian - Sport

It's unclear exactly what Jacobs' role will be at Apple, but his hiring comes at a time when the firm is under major pressure.

TechCrunch

Ulster were finally beginning to gain a foothold in terms of possession but the Clermont defence was not being put under major pressure.

BBC

Dry tropical vegetation is under major pressure of degradation due to various anthropogenic interferences and is characterized by the patches of forest, savanna and grassland systems.

Ecological Engineering

Under major pressure to reach an understanding with his Eurozone counterparts, Tsipras secured support from nearly all of Greece's political parties for his new offer, a show of unity meant to demonstrate his sincerity in negotiating in good faith on behalf of all Greeks.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Yahoo had better decide quickly what it wants to do with its future because its comfortable position as the leader in display advertising is about to come under some major pressure from Google.

TechCrunch

"The North Koreans demurred from a third nuclear test in April, very likely under major Chinese pressure," Dr. Pollack said.

The New York Times

Four days before the tournament begins, Woods is trying to find a game that will hold up under major championship pressure.

The New York Times - Sports

At the least, the session amounted to an unusual public airing of the tensions in Iranian politics at a time when the country is straining under major outside pressure.

The New York Times

Yet U.S. equity funds posted outflows in each of the past seven months totaling $142.8 billion, and we doubt inflows will be high anytime soon because so many Americans are under major financial pressure.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under major pressure", clearly identify the source of the pressure to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, specify if it's due to deadlines, competition, or financial constraints.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the pressure beyond what is realistically supported by the context. Using overly dramatic language can undermine the credibility of your statement. Instead, provide specific details about the stressors involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under major pressure" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying nouns or verbs to describe a state of duress or significant strain. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts. It indicates that someone or something is experiencing considerable demands or stress.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under major pressure" is a grammatically sound and versatile prepositional phrase used to describe situations of significant stress or strain. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage, especially within News & Media and Science contexts. While suitable for professional and neutral registers, remember to clearly identify the source of pressure and avoid exaggeration for maximum impact and credibility. Consider semantically similar alternatives like "facing intense pressure" or "subject to significant strain" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

facing significant strain

Focuses on the experience of strain rather than the source of pressure, offering a slightly more empathetic tone.

subject to intense strain

Emphasizes the intensity of the strain being experienced, highlighting the impact on the subject.

experiencing substantial stress

Shifts the focus to stress, a psychological response to pressure, offering a slightly different perspective.

confronting considerable demands

Highlights the demanding nature of the situation, focusing on external expectations.

grappling with heavy burdens

Uses a metaphorical image of burdens to convey the weight of the pressure, adding emotional depth.

in a high-stakes situation

Highlights the consequences of outcomes, emphasizing the potential risks and rewards at stake.

in a pressured environment

Describes the overall atmosphere as one of pressure, focusing on the external conditions.

under duress

Implies coercion or threat as the source of pressure, adding a legal or ethical dimension.

feeling the squeeze

Uses a colloquial expression to convey a sense of constriction or limitation due to pressure.

up against it

An informal phrase implying difficulty and opposition, conveying a sense of struggle against pressure.

FAQs

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

You can use "under major pressure" to describe situations where individuals, teams, or organizations are experiencing significant stress. For example, "The company was "under major pressure" to launch the product before the end of the quarter."

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

Alternatives include "facing intense pressure", "subject to significant strain", or "experiencing substantial stress", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "under major pressure"?

Yes, "under major pressure" is grammatically correct. The phrase functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb to indicate the condition or state of being pressured.

What's the difference between "under major pressure" and "under minor pressure"?

"Under major pressure" implies a high level of stress and significant demands, while "under minor pressure" suggests a lower level of stress and less significant demands. The choice depends on the intensity of the situation you're describing.