Grammar fix
apply pressure
push (physical or metaphorical)
to push on something physically, or to try to make someone do something by persuading or demanding
collocationB1common
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
You need to apply pressure to the cut to stop the bleeding.
In my opinion, parents shouldn't apply too much pressure on their children to get perfect grades, as it can be unhealthy.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: We applied pressure to make him to agree.
Say: We applied pressure to make him agree.
'Make someone DO' — no 'to' after 'make + person'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Exert coercive pressure upon' is heavy; 'put pressure on' is what people actually say.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
apply / put pressure on
- to the wound
- on the government
- steady
- more