more pressing matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more pressing matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an issue or concern that requires immediate attention or is of higher priority than others. Example: "I understand your concerns, but we need to address the more pressing matter of the budget cuts first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In the end, an altogether different kind of regulation may be needed (see article).A more pressing matter is how to restore liquidity to the markets right now.

The Economist

Much more pressing matter to us to get the State of Maine to legalize beer in time for mackereling this summer.

The New Yorker

Why is it that we spend so much time debating a woman's role or leave from work when another life begins – as we did with Marissa Mayer – but the equally, if not more, pressing matter of what to do when a loved one's life ends remains a taboo?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

On to more pressing matters.

The New Yorker

He had more pressing matters to deal with.

The New York Times - Sports

For now, of course, there are more pressing matters ahead.

The Guardian - Sport

Or are doctors just too busy with more pressing matters?

The New York Times - Health

But Democratic legislators decided that more pressing matters were at hand.

The Economist

Israel said, "He absorbed it, but he obviously had more pressing matters to deal with".

The New York Times

I directed my energies toward more pressing matters: writing, marriage, fatherhood.

The New Yorker

The news of the day was somewhat overshadowed by more pressing matters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more pressing matter", ensure the context clearly establishes what the less pressing matters are, providing a sense of prioritization for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "more pressing matter" when the situation does not genuinely warrant immediate action, as overuse can diminish the phrase's impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more pressing matter" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies an issue or concern that demands immediate or prioritized attention. Ludwig indicates this is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "more pressing matter" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for indicating an issue that requires immediate attention or is of higher priority than others. As Ludwig confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, it finds frequent use in news and media contexts to highlight critical concerns. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by establishing a clear understanding of what constitutes less pressing matters. Alternatives like "more urgent issue" or "higher priority concern" can be used to achieve similar emphasis. However, be mindful of overstating the urgency if the situation does not genuinely demand it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pressing concern

Shortened version of the original phrase, maintaining the urgency.

more urgent issue

Emphasizes the time-sensitive nature of the matter.

urgent priority

This alternative places equal emphasis on both urgency and priority.

higher priority concern

Highlights the importance and ranking of the matter.

more immediate problem

Focuses on the need for immediate attention.

primary concern

Indicates the matter is the most important one to address.

most important matter

Clearly states the matter's supreme importance.

most critical issue

Highlights the severity and importance of the matter.

top priority

Signifies that the matter should be dealt with first.

major issue

Suggests the matter is significantly important.

FAQs

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

You can use "more pressing matter" to emphasize the urgency or importance of a particular issue over others. For example, "While project A is important, the budget deficit is a "more pressing matter" that needs immediate attention".

What's the difference between "more pressing matter" and "urgent issue"?

"More pressing matter" implies a comparison between multiple issues, highlighting one as more critical. "Urgent issue" simply emphasizes the time-sensitive nature of a single problem, without necessarily comparing it to others.

What can I say instead of "more pressing matter"?

You can use alternatives like "more urgent issue", "higher priority concern", or "primary concern" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a more pressing matter"?

Yes, "a more pressing matter" is grammatically correct. The article "a" is used when referring to a single, non-specific instance of a pressing issue.