under stress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under stress" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a state of mental or emotional strain caused by a difficult situation. For example, "The student was feeling overwhelmed by the workload and was under stress throughout the semester."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Families are under stress.

The Economist

He's good under stress.

The New Yorker

Rehearse under stress.

Harvard Business Review

Social Networks Under Stress.

Cornell University

"French Capitalism under stress.

University of California, Berkeley

Especially under stress.

Stanford University

Brains under stress get frozen.

The New Yorker

People are constantly under stress".

The Guardian

"Great ideas bubble up under stress".

The New York Times

Relationships are breaking down under stress.

The New York Times

Under stress it may climb trees.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific situation or person, use "under stress" to clearly indicate that they are experiencing strain or pressure due to challenging circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "under stress" as a blanket statement for general situations. Instead, specify the source or cause of the stress for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under stress" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates a condition or state of being subjected to pressure or strain. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse domains, supporting its grammatical role and wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "under stress" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe conditions of pressure or strain. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely applicable across numerous contexts, including news, academia, and general conversation. While highly common, remember to use it with specificity to describe the source or nature of the stress. Consider alternatives like "under pressure" or "experiencing strain" to add nuance to your writing. By understanding the phrase's function, register, and common usages, you can effectively communicate states of stress in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under pressure

This alternative is a direct synonym, emphasizing the external forces causing the stress.

in a stressful situation

This alternative is more descriptive, focusing on the context of the stress rather than the state itself.

experiencing strain

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of being stretched or burdened.

feeling overwhelmed

This alternative highlights the emotional impact of the stress, suggesting a sense of being unable to cope.

facing adversity

This alternative broadens the scope to include any form of challenge or difficulty.

in a difficult situation

This alternative is a more general way of describing a challenging circumstance.

under duress

This alternative suggests a more forceful or coercive type of stress.

in crisis

This alternative indicates a severe or critical state of stress.

feeling the pinch

This alternative is an idiomatic expression suggesting financial or economic stress.

at breaking point

This alternative conveys the idea of being close to emotional or mental collapse.

FAQs

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

You can use "under stress" to describe individuals, systems, or situations experiencing pressure. For example, "The team performed well "under stress" during the crucial project deadline."

What are some alternatives to "under stress"?

Alternatives include "under pressure", "in a stressful situation", or "experiencing strain", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "under stress" in formal writing?

Yes, "under stress" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and concise way to describe a state of strain, as seen in many academic and news sources. You can also consider using "under pressure", which is another formal alternative.

What's the difference between "under stress" and "stressed out"?

"Under stress" is a more formal and objective way to describe someone experiencing strain, while "stressed out" is more informal and subjective, implying a feeling of being overwhelmed. "Feeling overwhelmed" is a good alternative to using stressed out, and it is more appropriate in formal situations.