under serious pressure

USAGE SUMMARY

"under serious pressure" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation or person who is experiencing a significant amount of stress or tension. Example: The company's recent financial troubles have put them under serious pressure to meet their sales targets.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There were times we were under serious pressure.

The Guardian - Sport

Having failed to meet expectations in 2011, the Eagles entered 2012 under serious pressure.

The Guardian - Sport

With Washington acting as midwife, the organization is now under serious pressure to get results.

The New York Times - Magazine

Bartoli hits back with an unreturnable serve, but she's under serious pressure and double faults, crucially.

The Guardian - Sport

So Egypt were a team under serious pressure when they next hosted the tournament, in 1986.

The Guardian - Sport

As a result, Nadal's No. 1 ranking is under serious pressure, too.

The New York Times - Sports

He also BAKU 00001771 003 OF 003 conjectured that Turkey could be under serious pressure from Russia.

The Guardian

Clegg, for his part, is under serious pressure from within his own party, especially from Shirley Williams.

The Guardian

Over the past four decades, the world has increasingly realised that our natural resources are under serious pressure.

The Guardian - Opinion

10 mins: As Derby gain in confidence Vidic has to perform another headed clearance under serious pressure.

The Guardian - Sport

Qaddafi is gone, Assad and Ahmadinejad are under serious pressure, and Chávez is far away and ailing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under serious pressure" to clearly convey that a person, organization, or system is experiencing significant stress, urgency, or difficulty due to internal or external factors. Be specific about the source and nature of the pressure whenever possible.

Common error

While "under serious pressure" is appropriate in many contexts, avoid overuse. Vary your language by using synonyms like "facing intense strain" or "experiencing acute stress" to maintain reader engagement and provide a more nuanced description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under serious pressure" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the state or condition of being subjected to significant stress or difficulty. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Sport

23%

Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under serious pressure" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe a state of significant stress or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability, appearing frequently in news, sports, and business contexts. While versatile, varying your language with synonyms like "facing intense strain" or "experiencing acute stress" can enhance writing. When using "under serious pressure", ensure clarity about the source and nature of the pressure to effectively convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

facing intense strain

This alternative emphasizes the stress and difficulty being experienced.

experiencing acute stress

This alternative highlights the high level of stress involved.

subjected to intense stress

This alternative emphasizes external forces causing the pressure.

in a precarious position

This alternative focuses on the instability and potential danger of the situation.

grappling with significant challenges

This alternative highlights the difficulties and struggles involved.

contending with immense difficulties

This alternative emphasizes the magnitude of the difficulties.

fighting against overwhelming odds

This alternative suggests a struggle against seemingly insurmountable challenges.

in dire straits

This alternative indicates a state of severe difficulty or distress.

up against it

This alternative is an informal way of saying someone is facing a difficult situation.

on the hot seat

This alternative suggests someone is in a position of accountability and scrutiny.

FAQs

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

You can use "under serious pressure" to describe entities experiencing significant stress or difficulty. For example, "The team was "under serious pressure" to meet the deadline."

What can I say instead of "under serious pressure"?

You can use alternatives like "facing intense strain", "experiencing acute stress", or "subjected to intense stress" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "under serious pressure" or "under serious stress"?

Both "under serious pressure" and "under serious stress" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to express. "Pressure" emphasizes external forces, while "stress" emphasizes internal strain.

What's the difference between "under serious pressure" and "in a precarious position"?

"Under serious pressure" implies a state of high stress or urgency, while "in a precarious position" suggests a state of instability or danger. While related, the latter focuses on the potential for negative outcomes.