pressing issue

USAGE SUMMARY

"pressing issue" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is of great importance and requires immediate attention. For example: "The climate crisis is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Women's employment became a pressing issue.

The Guardian

"Liquidity is a pressing issue," he said.

The Guardian - Business

Another pressing issue is open standards.

The Economist

"This is a pressing issue.

The Guardian

Another pressing issue is theater bathrooms.

The New York Times

For now, preserving historical landmarks is not the pressing issue.

The New York Times

That is a pressing issue for America's NATO allies.

The Economist

Health care was another pressing issue on the agenda.

The New York Times

Mr. Levy cited finances as another pressing issue.

The New York Times

But the word still links to a pressing issue.

The New York Times - Arts

One pressing issue will be the concern about privacy.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pressing issue", ensure the context clearly establishes the urgency and importance of the matter. Providing specific details about the consequences of inaction can strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "pressing issue" as a generic placeholder. Instead, replace it with language that directly describes the problem. For instance, instead of "Climate change is a pressing issue", try "Rising sea levels and extreme weather events caused by climate change demand immediate action."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pressing issue" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject complement or object of a sentence. As Ludwig confirms, it identifies a significant problem or concern that requires immediate attention. The phrase indicates that an issue is not only important but also urgent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pressing issue" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the urgency and importance of a particular problem. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase effectively conveys the need for immediate attention and action. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it's a versatile phrase suitable for both formal and informal communication, though typically leaning towards a more formal register. When using "pressing issue", ensure to provide adequate context to highlight the urgency and impact of the concern and avoid overuse by considering alternatives like "urgent matter" or "critical concern".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

urgent matter

Emphasizes the time-sensitive nature of the issue.

critical concern

Highlights the severity and potential consequences of the issue.

serious problem

Indicates a significant challenge that needs to be addressed.

key priority

Focuses on the importance of the issue in terms of resource allocation and attention.

burning question

Implies widespread interest and demand for a solution.

immediate need

Stresses the necessity for prompt action.

vital challenge

Highlights the essential nature of the issue for overall success or well-being.

major crisis

Conveys a sense of urgency and potential disruption.

significant hurdle

Suggests an obstacle that must be overcome.

acute dilemma

Emphasizes the difficult and complex nature of the problem.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "pressing issue" in a sentence?

To effectively use "pressing issue", ensure the sentence clearly conveys the urgency and significance of the matter. Provide context or supporting details to emphasize why the issue requires immediate attention. For example, "The shortage of affordable housing is a "pressing issue" in many urban areas, requiring immediate policy interventions".

What are some alternatives to "pressing issue" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "urgent matter", "critical concern", or "serious problem" to convey a similar meaning. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to emphasize.

Is there a difference between using "pressing issue" and "important issue"?

"Pressing issue" suggests a need for immediate action and implies a sense of urgency, whereas "important issue" simply indicates significance or relevance. A pressing issue demands immediate attention, while an important issue may be addressed over a longer timeframe.

Can "pressing issue" be used in formal and informal contexts?

"Pressing issue" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly found in formal writing and speech. In more casual settings, consider using alternatives like "big deal" or "major problem", depending on the intended tone.