working under duress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "working under duress" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to work or perform a task while feeling forced to do so, or having no other choice. For example, "With the threat of being fired hanging over her head, she had no choice but to keep working under duress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Then, as the police realized that the children, though paid, were often working under duress, they started leading these operations.

The New York Times

In the arguments for and against porn, those critical of the industry claim porn is violent and degrading towards women, and that those involved are often trafficked or working under duress.

The Guardian - Opinion

Spotswood's defence rested on the idea that he'd been working under duress, and was basically being forced to drive McNeil around to move the drugs.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Plus to be honest a right flank of Theo-Glen in a game against the hosts where a draw will do is too much like going out in a thunder storm with a cardboard umbrella, or perhaps an umbrella made from some attractive lightweight miracle substance that may or may not work under duress.

The Guardian - Sport

As Capa's dramatic images of the landings on Omaha Beach on D-day show, the contact sheet is evidence of how a photographer works under extreme duress.

The Guardian - Arts

They work under unimaginable duress, prohibition and threats -- continued support from international human rights organizations will play a big role in protecting LGBT people in Uganda.

Huffington Post

Although Giáp went to work "reluctantly, under duress", he may have found the task easier due to the fact that he was faced with a fait accompli.

Wikipedia

He insists that it provides proof that the banker sold his works under duress from the Nazis – the key issue in the current legal battle.

Independent

It contains works acquired under duress from prominent Jewish collectors fleeing Germany, such as Camille Pissarro's "Rue St. Honoré in the Rain," a great impressionist urban landscape whose ownership is claimed by the Cassirer family.

Forbes

How would you act under duress?

TechCrunch

The bodies were reportedly moved by Ukraine's emergency services who were working for the rebels under duress on Sunday.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "working under duress", ensure the context clearly indicates the source and nature of the coercion or pressure being exerted. Provide specific details if possible to strengthen the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "working under duress" simply to describe a high-pressure job or a stressful situation. Duress implies a genuine threat or coercion that removes free will, not just a challenging workload.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "working under duress" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the conditions under which the action is performed. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it indicates the presence of coercion or pressure that influences the way someone works.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "working under duress" describes a situation where someone is compelled to work against their will due to external pressures or threats. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English, primarily functioning as an adverbial phrase. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts. Alternatives like "laboring under compulsion" and "operating under coercion" can be used to convey similar meanings, and it's important to differentiate the phrase from merely "working under pressure", as duress implies a loss of free will. When using this phrase, make sure the context clearly shows the nature and source of the coercion involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

laboring under compulsion

This alternative emphasizes the forced nature of the work, highlighting a lack of autonomy.

operating under coercion

Focuses on the external pressure and lack of free will in the work environment.

performing under constraint

Highlights the limited options and restrictions imposed on the individual.

functioning under pressure

This phrase focuses on the stress and demands, rather than the involuntary aspect of the situation.

acting under threat

This emphasizes the potential for negative consequences if the work is not performed.

obliged to work

This highlights the lack of personal choice.

compelled to perform

Emphasizes an external obligation to act.

forced to labor

Directly indicates a lack of consent and volition.

constrained to act

Implies limited freedom of action, due to external forces.

working unwillingly

This simply shows that someone does not want to work.

FAQs

How can I use "working under duress" in a sentence?

You can use "working under duress" to describe situations where someone is forced to work against their will. For example: "The employees were "working under duress" due to threats from their manager."

What is the difference between "working under pressure" and "working under duress"?

"Working under pressure" refers to dealing with stress and tight deadlines, whereas ""working under duress"" implies being forced or coerced to work, often due to threats or other forms of compulsion.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "working under duress"?

Alternatives include "laboring under compulsion", "operating under coercion", or "performing under constraint", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "working under duress" a formal or informal phrase?

"Working under duress" is a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is often encountered in legal or journalistic settings when describing situations of coercion or compulsion.