a time-sensitive matter

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And after Mr. Trump flew to Florida, his advisers decided that the only way to get the president's signoff to revise the immigration order — a time-sensitive matter because of pending litigation — would be to dispatch the attorney general to Mr. Trump's Palm Beach, Fla., retreat, to implore him in person, the current and former administration officials said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

OCMA's attorneys argued that the case needs to move forward because it's a time-sensitive election matter.

Los Angeles Times

But judges did still hear time-sensitive matters.

The New York Times

While Rooney's future is the most high-profile issue in Moyes's in-tray at United, the Scot is also due to consider other time-sensitive matters such as defender Rio Ferdinand's contract, the future of Portuguese winger Nani and the club's potential sales and purchases this summer.

The Telegraph

The idea isn't to guide people through major processes like immigration — dedicated interpreters are still needed for long interviews, technical language and so on — but to handle time-sensitive matters like distribution of food and water or explaining an event or injury.

TechCrunch

As the seller, you have a time-sensitive perishable good".

The Guardian - Business

If you see a time-sensitive problem today, why wait?

Huffington Post

If it's an urgent or time sensitive matter and you need results immediately, teach.

Forbes

If this is an emergency or more time sensitive matter, please call 911 or refer to the resources below.

Duke University

For time sensitive matters, please email cs4410-staff.

Cornell University

One official dismissed the calls for a czar as a "Beltway phenomenon," arguing that the interdepartmental team would serve the same function but have the operational expertise to handle time-sensitive hostage matters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a time-sensitive matter", clearly define the timeframe or deadline to emphasize the urgency and importance of timely action. For example, specify 'a time-sensitive matter with a 24-hour deadline' to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a time-sensitive matter" for tasks or issues that do not genuinely require immediate attention. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and create unnecessary stress or pressure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a time-sensitive matter" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "matter". It indicates that the matter at hand requires prompt attention or action due to the constraints of time, as illustrated by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a time-sensitive matter" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote issues requiring immediate attention due to temporal constraints. According to Ludwig, its usage spans across news, academic, and professional contexts, signaling urgency and prioritizing the matter for quick resolution. While versatile, it’s best to reserve its use for genuinely urgent situations to maintain its impact and avoid unnecessary pressure. Alternatives like ""urgent matter"" or "pressing issue" can be used interchangeably, but the selected alternative should be chosen based on context and nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

urgent matter

Focuses on the urgency without explicitly mentioning time.

pressing issue

Emphasizes the importance and need for immediate attention.

critical situation

Highlights the severity and the necessity for timely action.

exigent circumstance

A more formal way to describe an urgent and demanding situation.

time-critical task

Specifically refers to a task that must be completed within a strict timeframe.

immediate concern

Indicates something that requires attention without delay.

expedited action

Highlights the need for a swift resolution or response.

rush order

Typically used in business contexts to denote an order that needs to be processed quickly.

high-priority item

Indicates that something should be dealt with before other less important things.

top priority

Stresses the importance of addressing something immediately.

FAQs

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

You can use "a time-sensitive matter" to describe situations needing prompt attention. For example: "We need to address this "urgent matter" before the deadline approaches".

What are some alternatives to saying "a time-sensitive matter"?

Alternatives include ""urgent matter"", "pressing issue", or "critical situation", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a time-sensitive matter"?

Use "a time-sensitive matter" when an issue requires immediate action due to a specific deadline or potential negative consequences of delay. This signals the need for prioritization.

What's the difference between "a time-sensitive matter" and "an urgent matter"?

"A time-sensitive matter" specifically emphasizes the time constraint, while ""urgent matter"" highlights the importance and need for immediate attention, regardless of a specific deadline. Though often interchangeable, "a time-sensitive matter" is more precise when time is the critical factor.