upward pressure

USAGE SUMMARY

"upward pressure" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used in economics and finance to describe a situation where prices, interest rates, or other market factors are increasing. Example: "The government's new tax policies are expected to create upward pressure on consumer prices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The rupee is under upward pressure.

The Economist

But the upward pressure is still immense.

The Economist

Put upward pressure on the jaw to pull it forward.

Harvard University

Two new developments helped relieve upward pressure on prices.

The New York Times

This is all suggestive of upward pressure on the won.

The New York Times

The bank predicts further "upward pressure" on prices.

Independent

The fiscal stimulus is also adding upward pressure on prices.

The New York Times

Huge inflows of capital put upward pressure on the yuan.

The Economist

Cross-border takeovers are also putting upward pressure on currencies.

The Economist

Now there is upward pressure on wages, and farmland is being snapped up for mansions.

The New York Times

"This could well exert upward pressure on house prices in the near term," he said.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing economic trends, clarify the specific area experiencing "upward pressure", such as prices, wages, or interest rates, to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "upward pressure" when referring to a desire to decrease something. The phrase inherently implies an increasing trend. For example, saying "We need to apply upward pressure to reduce costs" is contradictory; instead, use "downward pressure" or "apply pressure to reduce costs".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upward pressure" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As evidenced by Ludwig, it describes an external or internal force, influence or stress that causes an increase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "upward pressure" is a very common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a force that causes an increase. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various domains, especially in economics and finance. While it appears mostly in news and media sources, it is also present in formal and business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects an increasing trend and be specific about what is being affected. Remember that Ludwig's examples show that alternative phrases like "increasing strain", "growing demand", or "escalating costs" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Intensifying force

Uses 'force' to denote a growing power or influence that is becoming more pronounced or active.

Increasing strain

This phrase replaces 'pressure' with 'strain', emphasizing the force as a form of stress or tension that increases over time.

Mounting stress

Uses 'stress' instead of 'pressure', suggesting a build-up of strain, especially in non-physical contexts.

Building momentum

Suggests an increase in speed or force, often in the context of a project or campaign gaining traction.

Growing demand

Replaces the general term 'pressure' with a specific economic context, indicating heightened consumer desire or need.

Rising tide

Employs a metaphor to describe an increasing influence or force, similar to a tide that is coming in.

Escalating costs

Focuses specifically on financial implications, using 'costs' to highlight increasing expenses.

Accumulating build-up

Focuses on the process of accumulating to a high number or degree.

Heightened influence

Shifts the context to power dynamics, where 'influence' is increasing rather than physical or economic pressures.

Aggravating impetus

Highlights that something is giving escalation of something else, it can be negative.

FAQs

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

You can use "upward pressure" to describe an increase in various economic factors. For example, "Increased demand created "upward pressure" on housing prices" or "The new regulations put "upward pressure" on wages".

What's an alternative to "upward pressure"?

Alternatives include "increasing strain", "growing demand", or "escalating costs", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "downward pressure" instead of "upward pressure"?

Yes, "downward pressure" is the opposite of "upward pressure" and describes a force that decreases something, such as prices or costs. For example, "Increased competition created "downward pressure" on prices."

What causes "upward pressure" on interest rates?

Factors such as increased government borrowing, higher inflation expectations, and strong economic growth can all exert "upward pressure" on interest rates.