under severe pressure

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Insurance companies also came under severe pressure.

The New York Times

Others believe retailers are under severe pressure.

The Guardian - Business

Back in Ottawa, though, he was under severe pressure.

The Guardian - Sport

7.34pm BST Malaga are coming under severe pressure now.

The Guardian - Sport

In many instances, profits are under severe pressure.

Independent

New coach Guillermo Amor is already under severe pressure to hold onto his job.

The Guardian - Sport

Yugoslavia has been under severe pressure to cooperate with the tribunal.

The New York Times

In neighbouring Turkey, well before the latest military coup, press freedom was under severe pressure.

The Guardian

Committee chairman Keith Vaz said: "The asylum system is overburdened and under severe pressure.

The Guardian

He rejected the honour after coming under severe pressure from both the politicos and the public.

The Guardian - Books

In recent years the package holiday industry has come under severe pressure.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under severe pressure", ensure the context clearly indicates the source and nature of the pressure. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid vague references to the source of the pressure. Instead of saying "the project was under severe pressure", specify who or what was applying the pressure, such as "the project was under severe pressure from the looming deadline".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under severe pressure" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the state or condition of something. It indicates the intensity of the duress or strain being experienced. Ludwig confirms this usage with multiple examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Sport

14%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under severe pressure" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe situations of intense stress or strain. As demonstrated by Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples, this phrase frequently appears in News & Media, Sport, and Business contexts, conveying a sense of urgency and difficulty. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, writers should ensure that the source of pressure is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases, such as "facing intense strain" or "in dire straits", can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. The high frequency and consistent usage of "under severe pressure" across authoritative sources solidify its place as a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

facing intense strain

Replaces "pressure" with "strain", highlighting the stress and tension experienced but potentially lessening the sense of external force.

experiencing significant stress

Substitutes "pressure" with "stress", focusing on the psychological impact of the situation.

under extreme duress

Emphasizes a state of coercion or threat, adding a dimension of unwilling submission that "under severe pressure" might not explicitly convey.

laboring under a heavy burden

Uses a metaphorical weight to represent the pressure, implying a sense of obligation and difficulty.

in dire straits

Indicates a situation of great difficulty or distress, focusing on the negative consequences rather than the force applied.

enduring considerable hardship

Focuses on the suffering and adversity being experienced, emphasizing the endurance aspect.

confronting major difficulties

Emphasizes the presence of significant problems, but may not convey the same level of urgency or intensity as "under severe pressure".

grappling with immense challenges

Shifts the focus to overcoming obstacles, framing the situation as a struggle rather than a state of being acted upon.

battling overwhelming odds

Highlights the unfavorable circumstances and the struggle against them, adding a sense of adversity.

in a critical condition

Often used in medical contexts, this phrase implies a precarious state, with a connotation of potential danger that "under severe pressure" may lack outside specific contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "under severe pressure" to describe situations where individuals, organizations, or systems are experiencing intense strain or stress, as in "The hospital was "under severe pressure" due to the influx of patients".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "facing intense strain", "in dire straits", or "experiencing significant stress".

Is it correct to say "under severe pressure"?

Yes, the phrase "under severe pressure" is grammatically correct and widely used in English to describe situations of intense stress or strain. Ludwig AI confirms this based on numerous examples from reliable sources.

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

"Under pressure" indicates a state of stress or strain, while ""under severe pressure"" implies a much higher degree of intensity and difficulty. The addition of "severe" amplifies the magnitude of the pressure being experienced.