urgent task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "urgent task" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task that requires immediate attention or action. Example: "We need to prioritize the urgent task of addressing the server outage before it affects more users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His first urgent task is to appoint a chief executive.

The Guardian

This is his urgent task for the next 12 months.

The Guardian - Opinion

But critically, they identify our urgent task: to own modernity.

The Guardian - Books

In fact his first, urgent task is to remake finance.

The Economist

The nation faces an urgent task in overhauling its many security systems.

The New York Times

Right now, finding people work is a more urgent task than reducing the deficit.

The New York Times

Figuring out how to fix the N.F.I.P. is a real and urgent task.

The New Yorker

It is a diversion from the urgent task of restructuring the economy to generate further growth.

The Guardian - Opinion

In another interview he has described "the most urgent task for the left" as "sobering up".

The Guardian - Books

"There's no more urgent task for government than this," Cameron said.

The Guardian

His urgent task, however, is turning around Credit Suisse Asset Management.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When prioritizing work, clearly define what constitutes an "urgent task" to avoid confusion and ensure that critical items receive immediate attention. Use specific deadlines and impact assessments to categorize tasks effectively.

Common error

Avoid treating every task as an "urgent task". Overusing the term diminishes its impact and can lead to unnecessary stress and inefficiency. Distinguish between tasks that are truly time-sensitive and those that are simply important but can be scheduled.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "urgent task" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It designates a specific duty or assignment that requires prompt attention. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academic

8%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "urgent task" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a duty requiring immediate attention. As Ludwig confirms, it’s widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and formal settings. Understanding its proper use, distinguishing it from mere importance, and avoiding overuse are key to effective communication. Prioritizing tasks and defining clear criteria for urgency will ensure that truly critical items receive the attention they deserve.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pressing matter

Focuses on the importance and demand for immediate attention.

critical assignment

Emphasizes the importance and the nature of a given job.

immediate priority

Highlights the need to address this before anything else.

time-sensitive issue

Stresses the importance of acting quickly.

exigent responsibility

Implies a demanding and crucial obligation.

high-priority item

Indicates a ranking of importance needing prompt attention.

vital undertaking

Highlights the essential nature of the work.

acute obligation

Focuses on the compelling nature of the duty.

imperative action

Underlines the necessity and importance of a certain deed.

burning question

Highlights the importance of solving or answering an inquiry.

FAQs

How can I use "urgent task" in a sentence?

You can use "urgent task" to describe something that needs immediate action. For example: "Addressing the server outage is an "urgent task"."

What are some alternatives to saying "urgent task"?

Some alternatives include "pressing matter", "critical assignment", or "immediate priority" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "most urgent task" or "more urgent task"?

"Most urgent task" is used to describe the single task that requires the most immediate attention. "More urgent task" is used when comparing two tasks, to indicate which one needs faster action.

What's the difference between "urgent task" and "important task"?

An "urgent task" requires immediate attention due to time sensitivity, while an important task contributes to long-term goals but may not have an immediate deadline. Urgency focuses on time, importance on value.