pressing need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pressing need" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an urgent or immediate requirement for something. Example: "There is a pressing need for more resources to support the community during this crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The pressing need is slowly being recognized.

The New York Times

There was another pressing need.

The Guardian

They have a pressing need for development.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the innovators saw a pressing need.

The New York Times

A pressing need on the other end.

The New Yorker

There is pressing need to redefine what is reasonable.

The New York Times

The pressing need is to concentrate on the shattered economy.

The Economist

But Russia's pressing need to raise cash will remain.

The New York Times

Hence the pressing need for this new film.

The New Yorker

Chapman is focused on the pressing need to entertain.

The Guardian - Sport

And G.E., he said, has no pressing need for cash.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pressing need", ensure the context clearly explains why the need is urgent and what consequences might arise if it is not addressed promptly.

Common error

Avoid using "pressing need" when a situation is merely desirable, not genuinely urgent. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact when true emergencies arise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pressing need" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject or object within a sentence. It identifies something required immediately. As Ludwig highlights, the phrase is commonly used across various contexts to emphasize the urgency of a particular requirement or problem.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pressing need" is a noun phrase used to emphasize the urgency and importance of a specific requirement. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal communication. When using this phrase, ensure the context justifies the emphasis on urgency and consider alternative phrases like "urgent requirement" or "critical demand" to vary your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

urgent requirement

This alternative uses a more formal tone by replacing "need" with "requirement" and "pressing" with "urgent".

critical demand

This phrase emphasizes the importance and immediacy of the need, suggesting that it's a critical matter.

immediate necessity

This emphasizes the unavoidable nature of the need, suggesting it must be addressed without delay.

dire exigency

This option conveys a sense of urgency and severity, highlighting the critical nature of the need and potential consequences if ignored.

vital imperative

This alternative highlights the importance and compelling nature of the need, indicating that it is essential and must be addressed.

acute urgency

This phrase focuses on the temporal aspect of the need, stressing that it requires immediate attention.

burning issue

This alternative uses a figurative expression to convey the urgency and importance of the need.

high-priority item

This option is suitable in professional context, underlining the need to address is important as quickly as possible.

momentous concern

This phrase emphasizes the significance and potential impact of the need, suggesting it's a serious matter that requires attention.

paramount importance

This highlights the supreme importance and overriding nature of the need, indicating that it should take precedence over other considerations.

FAQs

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

Use "pressing need" to highlight an urgent requirement or problem. For example, "There is a pressing need for more affordable housing in the city."

What phrases can I use instead of "pressing need"?

You can use alternatives like "urgent requirement", "critical demand", or "immediate necessity" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "pressing need" in formal writing?

Yes, "pressing need" is appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure the context justifies the use of such a strong phrase.

What's the difference between "pressing need" and "important need"?

"Pressing need" implies a sense of urgency and immediacy, while "important need" simply indicates that something is significant but not necessarily time-sensitive. Consider the specific context to select the best option.