Pressing concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Pressing concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an issue or matter that requires immediate attention or is of significant importance. Example: "The rising levels of pollution in our city have become a pressing concern for local residents and officials alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a matter of pressing concern.

Independent

Time was a pressing concern.

The Guardian

But there is another, more pressing concern.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

However, when they settled down, I had a pressing concern.

The New York Times

(Security is a pressing concern in the settlements).

The New York Times

Instead, the issue of workers' rights became a pressing concern.

The New York Times - Sports

Financial Aid is a pressing concern for many University Students.

Stanford University

Sustainability is a pressing concern of the 21st century.

Journal of Building Engineering

An interesting curiosity, but hardly a pressing concern.

The Guardian - Books

There has to be an immediate and pressing concern".

The New York Times

To many, though, the lack of running water was an especially pressing concern.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pressing concern", clearly articulate the reasons why the issue is considered pressing to provide context and emphasize its importance.

Common error

Avoid using "pressing concern" too frequently in your writing, as it can diminish its impact. Reserve it for truly critical issues to maintain its effectiveness. Ensure you provide specific reasons why the concern is pressing, rather than simply stating it as a fact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pressing concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to identify an issue or problem that demands immediate attention. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in highlighting critical situations across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pressing concern" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an issue that requires immediate attention. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While versatile, it's important to use the phrase judiciously to maintain its impact, and to provide clear context for why the concern is indeed pressing. Alternatives like "urgent matter" or "critical issue" can be used to add variety to your writing. The frequency and authoritative sources indicate it is a strong and reliable expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Urgent matter

Emphasizes the need for immediate action due to the critical nature of the issue.

Critical issue

Highlights the importance and potential consequences of the problem.

Immediate priority

Indicates that the matter needs to be dealt with before other things.

Burning question

Suggests a question that is actively debated and requires resolution.

Serious problem

Focuses on the gravity and potential negative effects of the situation.

High-priority item

Highlights the item's importance in the scheme of things.

Acute problem

Highlights the sudden or severe nature of the issue.

Imperative consideration

Emphasizes the need to take something into account when making decisions.

Exigent circumstance

Highlights how demanding the situation is at the moment.

Matter of urgency

Highlights the requirement of timely action, where delay would cause damage.

FAQs

How can I use "pressing concern" in a sentence?

Use "pressing concern" to describe an issue or situation that requires immediate attention or action. For example, "Climate change is a "pressing concern" for world leaders".

What are some alternatives to "pressing concern"?

You can use alternatives such as "urgent matter", "critical issue", or "immediate priority" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "pressing concern" in formal writing?

Yes, "pressing concern" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing serious or urgent matters in professional or academic contexts.

What makes an issue a "pressing concern" rather than just a "concern"?

An issue becomes a "pressing concern" when it requires immediate attention or action due to its potential impact or severity. The term "pressing" emphasizes the urgency and importance of the matter, which distinguishes it from a regular "concern".