pressing to know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pressing to know" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong desire or urgency to obtain information or answers about something. Example: "I am pressing to know the results of the experiment, as they will determine our next steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Now, Parliament, and perhaps much of the country, will be pressing to know what else might remain covert about the prime minister's relationship with the media tycoon.

The New York Times

Now, while it is certainly consistent with this point that there are or even must be such laws, it becomes more pressing to know why we should think this if we cannot even offer any examples.

SEP

She would ask informed questions or make penetrating comments, pressing to know what could be done to improve the chances of aspiring scientists half a century or more younger than she.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Most voters don't have any pressing need to know the names of their state lawmakers, so they don't.

The New York Times

When you stop asking, "How was your day?" as soon as your kids walk through the door, you're more interested in being attuned to their feelings than satisfying your pressing need to know something.

Huffington Post

Many liberal and civil rights organizations, led by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, have been pressing to have the flag known as the "star and bars" taken down, declaring that it is a symbol of slavery and oppression of African-Americans.

The New York Times

The Leveson inquiry has been pressing to find out how much Rupert and James Murdoch knew about the hacking and when they found out.

The New York Times

Like Rudy Giuliani, Chris Christie knows that some of these reforms won't be achieved overnight, that you have to keep pressing and pressing to bring about true change and that sometimes change comes incrementally instead of all at once.

Forbes

It was pressing to him.

Forbes

That family side was always there in the background; sometimes I could feel family problems pressing on Marian, but I wished to know nothing of them.

The New Yorker

The power failure in parts of eight states and Canada raised a pressing issue for travelers: how to know when they would be able to fly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pressing to know" when you want to emphasize a sense of urgency or insistence in obtaining information. For example, "The committee is pressing to know the details of the budget proposal before making a decision."

Common error

While appropriate in many situations, avoid using "pressing to know" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Alternatives like "seeking to understand" or "aiming to ascertain" may be more suitable in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pressing to know" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to express a strong desire or need to obtain information. It indicates that someone is actively and persistently seeking answers or details about something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pressing to know" is a grammatically sound phrase used to convey a strong desire or need for information. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media, as well as science-related contexts, indicating a neutral to slightly formal register. While it can be used broadly, it's advisable to consider the level of formality required in a particular context and to explore alternatives like "eager to learn" or "keen to understand" if a more formal tone is needed. The key is to use the phrase when you want to emphasize the urgency or importance of obtaining information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eager to learn

Focuses on the enthusiasm for gaining knowledge.

determined to find out

Stresses the resolve to uncover information.

keen to understand

Emphasizes the desire for comprehension.

insistent on knowing

Implies a firm and unwavering demand for information.

anxious to discover

Highlights the concern or worry associated with the unknown.

inquisitive to explore

Highlights the curiosity driving the search for information.

burning to uncover

Emphasizes a strong and passionate desire to reveal or expose something.

driven to ascertain

Highlights the strong motivation to confirm or establish something.

compelled to inquire

Suggests an irresistible urge to ask and seek answers.

yearning to grasp

Emphasizes a deep longing to fully understand something.

FAQs

How can I use "pressing to know" in a sentence?

You can use "pressing to know" to indicate a strong need or desire to obtain information. For example: "The public is pressing to know the truth about the investigation."

What are some alternatives to "pressing to know"?

You can use alternatives like "eager to learn", "anxious to discover", or "keen to understand" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "pressing to know" formal or informal?

The phrase "pressing to know" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, alternatives might be preferred.

When should I use "pressing to know" instead of "wanting to know"?

"Pressing to know" implies a greater sense of urgency or importance compared to the more neutral "wanting to know". Use "pressing to know" when the information is crucial or needs to be obtained quickly.