pressing concern

USAGE SUMMARY

"pressing concern" is a valid phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to an urgent matter that needs to be addressed. For example, "The environment is a pressing concern that we must address together".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a matter of pressing concern.

Independent

Time was a pressing concern.

The Guardian

But there is another, more pressing concern.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

However, when they settled down, I had a pressing concern.

The New York Times

(Security is a pressing concern in the settlements).

The New York Times

Instead, the issue of workers' rights became a pressing concern.

The New York Times - Sports

An interesting curiosity, but hardly a pressing concern.

The Guardian - Books

There has to be an immediate and pressing concern".

The New York Times

To many, though, the lack of running water was an especially pressing concern.

The New York Times

But the director also had another, pressing concern about the new president.

The New York Times

Rising debt of another kind is a pressing concern for many investors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pressing concern" when you want to emphasize the urgency and importance of an issue that requires immediate attention. It's suitable for formal writing and professional communication.

Common error

Avoid using "pressing concern" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "big issue" or "urgent problem" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pressing concern" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject complement or object. It identifies a matter that demands immediate attention and action. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pressing concern" is a frequently used phrase to denote an urgent and significant issue that demands immediate attention. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted, particularly in formal and professional contexts such as news, science, and business. While there are various alternatives like "urgent issue" or "critical matter", it's important to consider the register and avoid overuse in casual settings. Remember to use "pressing concern" when you want to stress the immediacy and importance of a matter in formal and professional communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

urgent issue

Focuses on the immediate need for action.

critical matter

Highlights the importance and potential impact.

significant problem

Emphasizes the scale and consequence of the issue.

acute worry

Implies a heightened state of anxiety or apprehension.

immediate priority

Stresses the need for prompt attention and resources.

burning question

Suggests a matter that is actively debated and requires resolution.

top priority

Indicates the highest level of importance among competing issues.

grave situation

Highlights the serious and potentially dangerous nature of the circumstances.

serious issue

Focuses on the significant and potentially harmful nature of the problem.

exigent circumstance

Implies an emergency situation requiring immediate action.

FAQs

How to use "pressing concern" in a sentence?

You can use "pressing concern" to highlight an urgent matter. For instance, "Climate change is a "pressing concern" for many nations".

What can I say instead of "pressing concern"?

You can use alternatives like "urgent issue", "critical matter", or "significant problem" depending on the context.

Is "pressing concern" formal or informal?

"Pressing concern" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional or academic contexts. Simpler terms might be preferable in casual settings.

What's the difference between "pressing concern" and "important issue"?

"Pressing concern" emphasizes the urgency and immediacy of an issue, while "important issue" simply highlights its significance without necessarily implying immediate action.