a pressing matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a pressing matter' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe something that requires immediate attention. For example, "We need to discuss the budget shortfall - it's a pressing matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

O.K., this is not a pressing matter.

The New York Times

That question is becoming a pressing matter for automakers.

The New York Times

As many small shops were engulfed by the sea, coddling them is hardly a pressing matter.

The Economist

The question of judging anonymity remains more of a pressing matter.

The New York Times - Sports

That has become a pressing matter in Florence because Walmart plans to build a store right next to the graveyard.

The New York Times

With a rapidly growing population of 1.2 billion already stretching the country's resources, sustainability is a pressing matter in India.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

For Cairo's revolutionaries, finding a way to do something about them is a pretty pressing matter.

Vice

But such tensions manifested themselves most fully over how best to control slaves, a particularly pressing matter in the lower South as its slave population swelled to a majority in many places.

The New York Times - Books

In our current age of unapologetic racism and resurgent authoritarianism, the mechanics of Hitler's rise are a particularly pressing matter.

The New Yorker

"This is a very pressing matter – it either means that people are left languishing in prison or those who have been released still might have an unfair conviction hanging over them," said an MP.

Independent

U.S. Sen. Mark Udall has been all over television railing against the National Security Agency's recently exposed surveillance of Americans, but when he stopped by the Daily Camera's newsroom Saturday he had an equally pressing matter on his mind: the immigration bill up for Senate vote this week.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse; while effective, "a pressing matter" can lose impact if applied too frequently. Consider alternatives like "urgent issue" or "critical concern" for variety.

Common error

Don't use "a pressing matter" for routine tasks or issues that don't require immediate action. This weakens the phrase's impact and can make your communication seem exaggerated or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pressing matter" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies something significant demanding prompt action. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pressing matter" is a correct and commonly used phrase to describe something that needs immediate attention. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for formal and informal contexts, although overuse should be avoided. It is most frequently found in news and media, science, and business contexts. When you want to convey urgency and emphasize the importance of a situation, this phrase is a good option. Remember to ensure the context clearly establishes why the matter is indeed pressing. Consider using alternatives like "an urgent issue" or "a critical concern" for variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a matter of urgency

Rephrases the phrase to emphasize the urgency of the situation.

an urgent issue

Replaces "matter" with "issue", focusing on the problem aspect.

a significant issue

Replaces "matter" with "issue", highlighting its importance.

a critical concern

Substitutes "pressing" with "critical" and "matter" with "concern", emphasizing the importance and worry associated with it.

an immediate priority

Focuses on the need for immediate action and prioritization.

a critical situation

Emphasizes the dangerous aspect of the situation

a time-sensitive situation

Highlights the importance of time in addressing the situation.

a crucial point

Highlights a critical aspect needing to be addressed.

a vital necessity

Highlights a crucial need or requirement.

a burning question

Emphasizes the pressing need for an answer or resolution.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pressing matter" to describe something important that needs to be dealt with immediately. For example, "Addressing climate change is "a pressing matter" for all nations".

What is the difference between "a pressing matter" and "an important issue"?

"A pressing matter" implies a higher level of urgency than "an important issue". While both are significant, "a pressing matter" requires immediate attention and action.

What are some alternatives to saying "a pressing matter"?

You can use alternatives like "an urgent issue", "a critical concern", or "a matter of urgency" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a pressing matter" in formal writing?

Yes, "a pressing matter" is suitable for formal writing when describing a situation that requires prompt attention. Its formality level is neutral, making it appropriate for various professional contexts.