What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
under pressure
Example
I always work better under pressure. [under pressure: adverb]
Example
The team was under pressure to finish the project before the deadline. [under pressure: prepositional phrase]
pressure
Example
The water pressure in the pipes was too high. [pressure: noun]
Example
He felt pressure from his boss to finish the report quickly. [pressure: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pressure is a more common word than under pressure and is used in a wider range of contexts. Under pressure is a more specific term that is often used in informal or colloquial language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between under pressure and pressure?
Both under pressure and pressure can be used in formal or informal contexts. However, pressure is a more versatile word that can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
