urgent question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "urgent question" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when asking for clarification on a timely matter, for example: "I have an urgent question: when is the deadline for this project?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Have an urgent question?

Harvard University

It's an urgent question.

The New York Times - Books

The urgent question is over.

The Guardian

2.05pm GMT Urgent question on EU migration - Analysis Urgent question on EU migration - Analysis: The urgent question is over.

The Guardian

And that concludes the urgent question.

The Guardian

He asks an ever more urgent question.

The New York Times

At forum, researchers tackle an urgent question: Is democracy dying?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A more urgent question is, does she possess Taurasi's ruthlessness?

The New York Times - Sports

And, in the song, the urgent question isn't even answered.

The Washington Post

12.34pm BST We've got an urgent question at 3.30pm.

The Guardian

But The Lads had a last urgent question.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, while "urgent question" is acceptable, consider synonyms like "pressing inquiry" or "critical query" for a more sophisticated tone.

Common error

Avoid using "urgent question" excessively. If every question is labeled as urgent, the term loses its impact. Reserve it for truly time-sensitive and critical inquiries.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "urgent question" functions primarily as a noun phrase that identifies a question needing immediate attention. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English, and numerous examples demonstrate its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "urgent question" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an inquiry requiring immediate attention. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its widespread use across various domains, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and choose synonyms like "pressing inquiry" or "critical query" for more formal settings. Avoiding overuse ensures the term retains its intended impact and urgency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

burning question

Emphasizes the intensity and widespread interest in the question.

critical query

Substitutes "urgent" with "critical" and "question" with "query", emphasizing the importance of the question.

high-priority question

Emphasizes that the question needs to be addressed before others.

pressing inquiry

Replaces "urgent" with "pressing" and "question" with "inquiry", altering the tone slightly to sound more formal.

matter of urgency

Rephrases the concept as a situation that requires prompt action.

vital issue

Highlights the importance of the topic needing to be addressed.

immediate concern

Shifts from a question to a statement of concern needing prompt attention.

crucial point

Refers to a key aspect that requires immediate consideration.

time-sensitive matter

Focuses on the time-critical aspect rather than the questioning itself.

exigent problem

Uses more formal vocabulary to describe a problem that demands immediate action.

FAQs

How can I phrase an urgent question in a professional email?

Instead of directly stating "I have an urgent question", you can say, "I'm writing to inquire about a time-sensitive matter" or "I would appreciate your prompt attention to the following question".

What's a more formal way to say "urgent question"?

Consider using phrases like "pressing inquiry", "critical query", or "exigent problem" in formal contexts.

When is it appropriate to use the term "urgent question"?

Use "urgent question" when the matter requires immediate attention due to time constraints, potential negative consequences, or critical decision-making needs.

How does "urgent question" differ from a regular question?

An "urgent question" implies a need for a quick response or resolution, whereas a regular question may not have the same time sensitivity. Using "high-priority question" can similarly emphasize importance.