when pressed for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when pressed for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is being asked to provide a specific answer or to elaborate on a subject when they are not eager to do so. Example sentence: Whenever the speaker was pressed for details about his time abroad, he would quickly change the subject.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Smile mysteriously when pressed for information.

The New York Times

The list, when pressed for, is long.

The Guardian - Film

When pressed for answers, he stalled, according to the Winklevosses.

The New York Times - Tech

When pressed for more information Weyand had a ready response.

The Guardian

When pressed for this basic detail, Glover terminated the call.

The Guardian - Money

Reese grimaces when pressed for details of his impetuous youth.

The New York Times - Sports

When pressed for time, the savvy reader starts there.

The New York Times

"Of course," the counterman said, demurring when pressed for specifics.

The New York Times

When pressed for time, negotiators often say no when they should say yes.

Harvard University

When pressed for a reason she amplified: "The boss wants to keep the joint classy".

The New Yorker

When pressed for details, they said, "The investigation is criminal in nature", but would not elaborate.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when pressed for" to indicate that someone is being asked to provide more details, often in a situation where they might be hesitant or reluctant to do so. It accurately conveys the dynamic of seeking further information.

Common error

Avoid using "when pressed for" when a simple request for information is made. The phrase implies a degree of reluctance or insistence, so ensure the context warrants this implication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when pressed for" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the circumstances under which something occurs. It highlights the condition of being urged or asked insistently for something, such as information or details, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when pressed for" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate that someone is being asked for more details, often implying reluctance or insistence. As Ludwig AI indicates, its grammatical structure is correct, and it's very common, particularly in news and media contexts. When writing, it's important to ensure the context warrants the implication of pressure. Alternative phrases like "when asked for" or "when prompted for" may be more appropriate in neutral situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when asked for

Focuses on the act of asking as the trigger for providing information, rather than the pressure.

when prompted for

Highlights the instigation or encouragement needed to elicit a response.

when questioned about

Emphasizes the inquiry aspect, suggesting a more formal or investigative context.

when urged to disclose

Implies a stronger insistence or encouragement to reveal information.

when pushed to explain

Conveys a sense of being compelled or forced to provide an explanation.

when solicited for details

Highlights a request for specific particulars, often in a formal setting.

when called upon to elaborate

Focuses on the act of expanding on a previous statement or point.

when expected to answer

Emphasizes the anticipation or obligation to provide a response.

when requested to clarify

Focuses on the need for making something clearer or more understandable.

when required to divulge

Implies a necessity or obligation to reveal confidential information.

FAQs

How can I use "when pressed for" in a sentence?

Use "when pressed for" to show someone is being asked for more details, often implying they are hesitant. Example: "When pressed for details, the suspect refused to answer any questions."

What can I say instead of "when pressed for"?

Alternatives include "when asked for", "when prompted for", or "when questioned about depending" on the context.

What's the difference between "when asked for" and "when pressed for"?

"When asked for" is a neutral request for information. "When pressed for" implies insistence or reluctance in providing the information. Choose "when pressed for" when there's a sense of urging or coaxing.

Is "when pressed for" formal or informal?

"When pressed for" is suitable for neutral to formal contexts. It's often used in news reporting or academic writing, but can also be used in less formal settings.