was under pressure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was under pressure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is experiencing stress or demands that require them to perform or respond in a certain way. Example: "During the final exams, she was under pressure to achieve high grades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was under pressure.

The Economist

"I was under pressure.

The New York Times - Sports

Baldwin was under pressure.

The Guardian - Books

Their scrum was under pressure.

The Guardian - Sport

Hester was under pressure to lend.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Hikmat was under pressure in Kandahar.

The New Yorker

East had to make four discards and was under pressure.

The New York Times - Arts

At that moment, of course, he was under pressure.

The Guardian - Sport

By the end of the year, Komansky was under pressure.

The New Yorker

For this horse, routine was under pressure from all sides.

The New York Times - Sports

He in turn was under pressure from Webber.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was under pressure", be specific about the source and nature of the pressure. Providing context enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "was under pressure" as a vague explanation for actions or outcomes. Always ensure the pressure is plausible and relevant to the situation being described.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was under pressure" functions as a descriptive predicate, indicating that the subject experienced a state of stress or compulsion due to external factors. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where it describes individuals or entities facing demands or challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was under pressure" is a very common and grammatically correct expression used to describe situations where an individual or entity faced significant stress or demands. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase. Predominantly found in News & Media, its usage extends to Formal & Business contexts as well. When employing this phrase, it is crucial to provide specific context about the source and nature of the pressure to enhance clarity. Avoid vague uses and always ensure the pressure aligns plausibly with the described situation. Alternatives like "faced intense pressure" or "experienced considerable stress" may offer nuanced substitutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faced intense pressure

Emphasizes the intensity of the pressure experienced.

experienced considerable stress

Focuses on the emotional and psychological impact of the situation.

was subjected to demands

Highlights the external forces imposing requirements.

was in a difficult position

Indicates a challenging or precarious situation.

felt compelled to

Suggests a sense of obligation or necessity.

was forced to act

Highlights a lack of agency or choice.

labored under strain

Conveys a sense of prolonged effort and difficulty.

operated with limitations

Emphasizes restrictions and constraints.

endured significant hardship

Focuses on the suffering or adversity faced.

navigated challenging circumstances

Implies skill and resilience in dealing with difficult situations.

FAQs

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

Use "was under pressure" to describe someone experiencing stress or demands. For example: "The team "was under pressure" to meet the deadline."

What are some alternatives to "was under pressure"?

Alternatives include "faced intense pressure", "experienced considerable stress", or "was subjected to demands" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is under pressure" or "was under pressure"?

"Is under pressure" describes a current state, while "was under pressure" describes a past state. Choose the tense that matches the time frame of your sentence.

What's the difference between "was under pressure" and "was feeling pressured"?

"Was under pressure" emphasizes the external forces acting on someone, while "was feeling pressured" highlights the internal, emotional experience of being under duress.