under substantial pressure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under substantial pressure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is experiencing a significant amount of stress or demand, often in a work or performance context. Example: "The team was under substantial 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

18 human-written examples

Mr. Klock recalled things differently, saying that Ms. Harris was under substantial pressure from the Bush team.

The New York Times

The polling industry is under substantial pressure, as voters become harder to reach by landline, to continue producing good data.

The New Yorker

And they undoubtedly are under substantial pressure to shield not only their priests, but in some cases themselves, from an endless string of damaging accusations.

The New York Times

The big four grocers are under substantial pressure to keep costs down so they can cut prices to stop shoppers switching to discounters such as Aldi and Lidl.

The Guardian - Business

At the same time, he has been under substantial pressure from local officials and business groups to find a way to get highway construction moving again.

The New York Times

Under substantial pressure, she eventually flies to Los Angeles to meet the person she is least likely to get on with in the entire world: big, cuddly, overfamiliar steamroller Walt Disney (Tom Hanks).

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

But supporters of the resolution argued that, if the overwhelming majority of nations voted to ban nuclear weapons―that is, make them illegal under international law―this would put substantial pressure on the nuclear powers to comply with the world community by acting to eliminate their nuclear arsenals.

Huffington Post

BHS is under substantial financial pressure.

The Guardian - Business

Britain's decision to cancel its contract to provide a training programme for the kingdom's prisons was a small and belated sign to Riyadh that London was prepared, once in a while and under substantial opposition pressure, to take a stand.

Independent

Typically, a strong correlation between amino acid mutations is interpreted as evidence of functional interactions under substantial selection pressure.

Plosone

African rainforests are under substantial human pressure [20], and deforestation resulting from logging and road construction is predicted to increase [21], [22].

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you use this phrase, consider the emotional tone you are creating, as it often implies stress and difficulty. If you intend a more neutral tone, consider alternative phrases such as "facing significant demands" or "subjected to heightened expectations".

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice when using "under substantial pressure". While grammatically correct, it can obscure who is applying the pressure. Instead of "The project was under substantial pressure", consider "The stakeholders placed the project under substantial pressure" for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under substantial pressure" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It describes the condition or state of being subjected to significant stress or demands. As noted by Ludwig AI, it’s a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

27%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "under substantial pressure" is a commonly used phrase to describe situations involving significant stress or demands. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While versatile across various contexts, it frequently appears in News & Media and Science. When using the phrase, clarity about the source and impact of the pressure is crucial, as is avoiding overuse of the passive voice. Consider related phrases like "facing considerable strain" or "subjected to intense demands" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

facing considerable strain

Focuses on the difficulty and stress experienced.

subjected to intense demands

Highlights the high level of requirements imposed.

experiencing significant duress

Emphasizes the suffering and hardship involved.

bearing a heavy burden

Metaphorically describes the weight of responsibility.

grappling with immense challenges

Focuses on overcoming difficult obstacles.

confronted with critical expectations

Highlights the importance and severity of required outcomes.

navigating turbulent circumstances

Suggests a complex and unstable environment.

operating in a high-stakes environment

Emphasizes the potential consequences of actions.

enduring relentless scrutiny

Highlights the constant observation and judgment faced.

feeling the weight of responsibility

Focuses on the personal impact of obligations.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "under substantial pressure"?

Being "under substantial pressure" means experiencing a significant amount of stress, demand, or obligation, often requiring considerable effort to manage or overcome.

What are some synonyms for "under substantial pressure"?

Alternatives include "facing considerable strain", "subjected to intense demands", or "experiencing significant duress", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

You might say, "The company was "under substantial pressure" to increase profits" or "The athlete performed well "under substantial pressure" during the competition."

What is the difference between "under pressure" and "under substantial pressure"?

"Under pressure" indicates a general sense of stress or demand, while "under substantial pressure" emphasizes a greater degree or intensity of that stress or demand.