the pressing issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the pressing issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a matter that requires immediate attention or action. Example: "The pressing issue at hand is the need for sustainable energy solutions to combat climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

President Obama made good on his promise to address the pressing issue of gun violence reduction in our nation with a press conference that ended with his signature on 23 executive orders -- and a call for Congress to step up and join him in providing the leadership the country is calling for.

Huffington Post

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

The New York Times

The pressing issue is how to bring the strands together; which brings us to Compass.

The Guardian

The pressing issue threatening the B-school's equanimity is not its ratings but its relevance.

The New Yorker

She also discussed the pressing issue of juggling her fitness regime with motherhood and 'household duties'.

Independent

His premiership failed to deal successfully with the pressing issue of the day, the Algerian rebellion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

From a theater critic's perspective, the pressing issue is the creation of a suitable location.

The New York Times - Arts

So the pressing issue is: how do I dress in times of an identity crisis?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Tomorrow, apparently, is World Water Day, which will look at the pressing issue of water scarcity.

The Guardian - Books

And yet, the pressing issue of immigration trumped religion, and Mr. Obama won the Hispanic vote by 44 percentage points.

The New York Times

The pressing issue of male mental health is now a much more prominent concern than it once was.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the pressing issue", ensure the context clearly defines what makes the issue urgent or significant to your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "the pressing issue" for minor or trivial matters, as it can dilute the phrase's impact and credibility. Reserve it for truly significant concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the pressing issue" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific matter that demands immediate attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to highlight urgent matters.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the pressing issue" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that highlights matters requiring immediate attention. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, it serves to emphasize urgency and importance. While versatile, it's essential to reserve it for truly significant concerns to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "the urgent matter" and "the critical concern" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When writing, clearly define why the issue is pressing to ensure the message resonates effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the urgent matter

Emphasizes the need for immediate action.

the critical concern

Highlights the importance and potential consequences.

the burning question

Suggests a topic of widespread and intense interest or debate.

the key problem

Focuses on the central challenge or obstacle.

the major challenge

Highlights the difficulty and scale of the issue.

the foremost priority

Indicates the top item on a list of important tasks.

the overriding concern

Suggests that this issue is more important than any other.

the paramount question

Elevates the importance of the issue to the highest level.

the central point

Highlights the core aspect of discussion.

the crucial factor

Indicates that the issue is decisive in determining an outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "the pressing issue" to introduce a problem or topic that demands immediate attention or action. For example, "The pressing issue is how to mitigate climate change."

What are some alternatives to "the pressing issue"?

Alternatives include "the urgent matter", "the critical concern", or "the burning question", each varying slightly in emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "the pressing issue"?

It's appropriate when referring to a problem or topic that requires immediate attention and has significant implications. Avoid using it for minor or trivial matters.

What is the difference between "the pressing issue" and "the important issue"?

"The pressing issue" implies urgency and the need for immediate action, while "the important issue" simply indicates that something is significant but doesn't necessarily require immediate attention.