an immediate thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an immediate thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that requires prompt attention or action. Example: "In emergencies, addressing an immediate thing is crucial for ensuring safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Mark never said that would be an immediate thing.

The New York Times

"People have to realize that change is never an immediate thing, and you really have to keep plugging away at it," said Judy Jacobs, the Legislature's presiding officer.

The New York Times

The uLocker encryption process takes "about a day, so it's not an immediate thing", she added.

TechCrunch

"It was an immediate thing.

Vice

"For me it's an immediate thing I bring up to gauge compatibility my Instagram is basically Sopranos themed, my Tinder bio was a Sopranos reference, so if you don't get The Sopranos, you don't get me".

Vice

"Because if something goes wrong once, there's an immediate thing 'Right, well we must have a guideline'.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"It's a much more immediate thing for them".

The New York Times

If you start falling off your board, there are a few immediate things you must do.

WikiHow

"One immediate thing it made clear is that an approach that's driven by our responding to threats based on the intelligence we receive is a very frail one indeed, because we just simply don't have access to the kind of intelligence we need and want, and we probably won't for 10 to 15 years".

The New York Times

"The immediate thing to be done," he adds, is to launch a new clinical trial designed not just to detect the association between NQO1* and prognosis, but to really test the predictive power of NQO1*2 on cancer prognosis in women randomly assigned to epirubicin and other therapies.

Science Magazine

He added, "In my way of thinking, the most immediate thing we could do to impact prices is consume less".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the non-delayed or prompt nature of something, use "an immediate thing" to convey a sense of urgency and importance.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "an immediate thing" in formal or academic writing; consider stronger, more precise alternatives like "urgent matter" or "critical issue" to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an immediate thing" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something requiring prompt attention. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an immediate thing" is grammatically correct and serves to highlight something that requires prompt attention. While Ludwig identifies it as usable, it's relatively uncommon, especially in more formal contexts where alternatives like "urgent matter" or "pressing issue" might be preferred. It finds usage in a variety of sources, particularly news and media, suggesting a neutral register suitable for general discussions needing an easily understood meaning. Consider stronger, more precise alternatives to enhance clarity and impact in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an immediate concern

Directly highlights the urgency and importance of the issue, but feels slightly more personal or localized.

an urgent matter

Highlights the need for immediate action or attention.

a matter of urgency

Formally expresses the need for immediate attention and action.

a pressing issue

Focuses on the urgency and importance of the matter.

something that demands immediate attention

More verbose but emphasizes the need for prompt action.

a high-priority item

Suggests that the issue has been given significant importance and needs to be addressed quickly.

a top priority

Highlights the high level of importance assigned to the matter.

a time-sensitive concern

Emphasizes the importance of addressing the issue within a specific timeframe.

a critical point

Indicates that the matter is of utmost importance and requires careful consideration.

an emergent need

Emphasizes the sudden and urgent nature of the requirement.

FAQs

How can I use "an immediate thing" in a sentence?

You can use "an immediate thing" to describe something requiring prompt attention or action, such as, "Addressing the safety hazard is "an immediate thing" to ensure the well-being of everyone."

What are some alternatives to saying "an immediate thing"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a pressing issue", "an urgent matter", or "a high-priority item".

Is it grammatically correct to use "an immediate thing"?

Yes, "an immediate thing" is grammatically correct and understandable, though its frequency is relatively uncommon in formal writing. Its meaning is generally clear in most contexts.

What is the difference between "an immediate thing" and "an urgent thing"?

"An immediate thing" emphasizes the need for action without delay, while "an urgent thing" stresses the importance and critical nature of the matter requiring swift attention.