under pressure

USAGE SUMMARY

"under pressure" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that someone is feeling or experiencing stress, usually from a situation or deadline. For example: I am under pressure to finish this report by the end of the day.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Facts bend under pressure.

The New York Times - Arts

"Grace under pressure".

The New York Times

Under pressure, it did.

The Economist

Gundogan cool under pressure.

The New York Times

To be under pressure?

Independent

He was under pressure.

The Economist

"We were under pressure.

The New York Times

Danger: Contents under pressure.

The New York Times - Books

Performances under pressure?

Independent

Another closed under pressure.

The New York Times

Under pressure, she triangulates.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under pressure", clearly specify the source of the pressure to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "under pressure" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your phrasing with synonyms like "experiencing strain" or "facing difficulties" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under pressure" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the circumstances in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI identifies, it signifies experiencing stress or strain due to external demands. For example, 'Germany are under pressure here'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under pressure" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate stress or strain, as highlighted by Ludwig AI. It functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe challenging circumstances. Predominantly found in news and media, it also appears in formal business and scientific contexts. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, varying your phrasing with synonyms like "experiencing strain" or "facing difficulties" can enhance the sophistication of your writing. Ludwig's examples showcase the phrase's broad applicability and offer insights into its usage across different domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling stressed

Focuses on the internal sensation of stress rather than external forces.

experiencing strain

Emphasizes the wear and tear caused by demanding situations.

contending with challenges

More formal way of expressing dealing with difficulties.

facing difficulties

Highlights the presence of challenges without specifying the intensity.

grappling with problems

Suggests actively struggling with issues.

having a hard time

General expression for experiencing difficulty.

in a tight spot

Uses a more informal idiom to convey a difficult situation.

facing adversity

Emphasizes the negative and challenging nature of the situation.

in a bind

Suggests being stuck in a problematic situation.

up against it

An idiomatic expression indicating facing considerable obstacles.

FAQs

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

You can use "under pressure" to describe a state of stress caused by demands. For example, "I am "under pressure" to meet the deadline" or "The team performed well "under pressure"".

What's a more formal alternative to "under pressure"?

In more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "experiencing strain", "facing significant challenges", or "operating under demanding conditions" for a more professional tone.

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

No, the correct phrasing is "under pressure". The indefinite article "a" is not used because "pressure" is being referred to in a general, non-countable sense.

What does it mean to perform well "under pressure"?

Performing well "under pressure" means maintaining a high level of performance and effectiveness despite experiencing stress and demanding conditions. It indicates resilience and competence in challenging situations.