a time-sensitive issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a time-sensitive issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a matter that requires immediate attention or action due to a deadline or urgency. Example: "We need to address this a time-sensitive issue before the deadline next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"This is a time-sensitive issue with important consequences for maintaining confidence in the UK tech sector," he said.

The Guardian - Tech

Regular consumers' files, meanwhile, may get priority treatment if they involve a time-sensitive issue, like a mortgage pending, or if the consumer is represented by a lawyer or dealing with fraud.

The New York Times

Restoration of open oak ecosystems is a time-sensitive issue because restoration will become increasingly costly as oaks are lost from the overstory and the surrounding matrix becomes dominated by non-oak species.

Science of The Total Environment

First of all, it's true that we face a time-sensitive issue in the form of the fiscal cliff: unless a deal is reached, we will soon experience a combination of tax increases and spending cuts that might push the nation back into recession.

The New York Times

I need time off to take care of a time-sensitive issue.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The wireless driver typically controls the functionality of the MAC layer that does not involve any time-sensitive issues (e.g., sending of an ACK after an SIFS period).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Only raise your voice or threaten punishment if it is a severe and time-sensitive issue (e.g. a safety threat) or deliberate misbehavior (e.g. you've asked her several times to stop hitting, but she continued).

WikiHow

While that may be the most time-sensitive issue for Alderson, the more vital one is the next manager.

The New York Times - Sports

He writes: As many of you know, our elected officials in Washington D.C. have been unable to come together and compromise to solve the tremendously important, time-sensitive issue to fix the national debt.

The New York Times

In the letter, Mr. Schultz warned that elected officials "have been unable to come together and compromise to solve the tremendously important, time-sensitive issue to fix the national debt," and suggested that readers further inform themselves at the Web site of the organization Fix the Debt.

The New York Times

Hispanics in America influence the future of the US economy yet this conversation remains quiet as corporations grow more uncomfortable with this time-sensitive issue.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a time-sensitive issue", ensure that the urgency is clearly communicated to all stakeholders. Provide specific deadlines or timeframes to avoid ambiguity and promote prompt action.

Common error

Avoid using "a time-sensitive issue" as a generic descriptor for all problems. Reserve it for situations where timing is genuinely critical to the outcome, as overuse can dilute its impact and create unnecessary stress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a time-sensitive issue" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "time-sensitive" modifies the noun "issue". This construction is used to highlight the urgency and importance of a specific matter. Ludwig confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a time-sensitive issue" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to denote matters demanding immediate attention. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a correct and usable phrase. Its applicability spans across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academic discourse. When employing this phrase, it's best to pair it with clearly defined timeframes to avoid confusion and encourage prompt action. Although versatile, avoid overusing it to retain its impact. Semantically related alternatives include "urgent matter" and "pressing concern", which can be used depending on the specific situation. Therefore, understanding its nuances ensures effective communication in various professional and personal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Time-critical matter

Emphasizes that the matter needs to be done as soon as possible.

Urgent matter

Focuses specifically on the need for immediate action.

Pressing concern

Emphasizes the weight and significance of the problem.

Critical situation

Highlights the potential severity of the circumstances.

Exigent circumstance

More formal and legalistic, indicating a situation demanding immediate attention.

High-priority task

Focuses on the level of importance and immediacy of a task.

Immediate requirement

Stresses the necessity for quick fulfillment of a need.

Emergency

Highlights the unexpected or threatening nature of a situation.

Top priority

Similar to high-priority task, focuses on order of importance.

Burning question

Emphasizes something that needs an urgent answer.

FAQs

How can I use "a time-sensitive issue" in a sentence?

You can use "a time-sensitive issue" to describe a matter requiring immediate attention. For instance, "We must address this contract dispute as "a time-sensitive issue" to avoid legal complications."

What are some alternatives to "a time-sensitive issue"?

Alternatives include "urgent matter", "pressing concern", or "critical situation". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a time-sensitive issue" in formal writing?

Yes, "a time-sensitive issue" is suitable for formal writing. However, for extremely formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "exigent circumstance" or "time-critical matter".

What's the difference between "a time-sensitive issue" and "an important issue"?

"A time-sensitive issue" implies that timing is crucial, and delaying action could have negative consequences. "An important issue" simply means the matter is significant, without necessarily suggesting urgency.