urgently

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'urgently' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that requires immediate attention or action. Example: I need to finish this report urgently so that I can submit it on time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And in the meantime the authorities should grant him temporary release so that he can receive the medical treatment that he so urgently needs".

The Guardian

Union reps this week circled the campus with iPads urgently trying to get people to sign up.

The Guardian

We will return to carry out further inspections at the trust and we are working urgently with Monitor to resolve these issues.

The Guardian

An open and comprehensive approach is nevertheless urgently needed, along with a moratorium on new bilateral or unilateral changes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Urgently needed scholarly and public events enlightening students and citizens about key national debates of the day are already being shut down, on the grounds of "security".

The Guardian - Opinion

The symptoms of ovarian cancer include: abdominal or pelvic pain and increased abdominal size or persistent bloating; the need to urinate often or urgently or feeling full after eating a small amount.

The Guardian

He denounced the government's current approach to detaining failed asylum seekers as "inefficient, unjust and expensive" and said reform was urgently needed.

The Guardian

'The FA is aware that the police are urgently considering what action they should take.

The Guardian - Sport

In response to reading the "Box 500 report" – the colloquial term for MI5 briefing notes – on 1 November 1984, the prime minister insisted her cabinet secretary, Sir Robert Armstrong, "consider urgently whether there is any way these developments could be prevented, whether by denunciation or otherwise".

The Guardian

The government will be forced to urgently clean up illegal air pollution in British cities following a ruling on Wednesday in the European court of justice.

The Guardian

But commitment and engagement at the civil society level must be matched with real political will in parliament to ensure a policy framework is urgently put in place to make ambitious carbon reduction an overwhelming objective of every government department.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "urgently", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone. While it conveys importance, overuse can diminish its impact. Replace it with other semantically similar alternatives such as "immediately", "promptly" or "expeditiously" in order to avoid sounding repetitive.

Common error

Avoid using "urgently" excessively, as it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound overly dramatic or anxious. Instead, consider using milder alternatives or rephrasing to emphasize the importance through other means.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "urgently" primarily functions to modify verbs, adverbs, or entire clauses, emphasizing the necessity for immediate action. According to Ludwig AI, its presence signals a high degree of importance and time sensitivity, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "urgently" functions as an adverb to emphasize the need for immediate action, primarily within news and media contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammatical rules and is considered correct. While it's a very common term to express the need for speed, it's important to avoid overuse to maintain its impact and precision, and to consider alternatives like "immediately" or "promptly". The prevalence of "urgently" in authoritative sources like The Guardian underscores its validity and appropriate usage in various professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Immediately

Emphasizes the instantaneous nature of the required action.

Promptly

Highlights the quickness and readiness with which something should be done.

Pressingly

Emphasizes the importance and urgency of the matter.

Expeditiously

Suggests efficiency and speed in handling a task.

Without delay

Directly states that there should be no waiting or postponement.

At once

Implies that the action needs to be taken without any hesitation.

Right away

Similar to "at once", suggesting immediacy.

Instantly

Emphasizes the action should happen in a very short time frame.

Critically

Highlights the critical nature and high importance of the action.

Hastily

Indicates quick action, possibly with a sense of rush or carelessness.

FAQs

How can I use "urgently" in a sentence?

"Urgently" is an adverb, typically placed before the verb it modifies to emphasize the need for immediate action. For example, "The package needs to be sent "immediately"." or "Please respond "promptly" to this email."

What are some alternatives to using "urgently"?

You can use alternatives like "immediately", "promptly", "expeditiously", or "without delay" depending on the context. These words also convey the need for quick action but with slightly different nuances.

Is it correct to say "most urgently"?

While grammatically correct, "most urgently" is less common and can sound awkward. It's generally better to rephrase for clarity, such as "This matter requires the most urgent attention" or simply use ""immediately"" or "critically" instead.

When should I use "urgently" versus "important"?

"Urgently" emphasizes the need for speed, while "important" highlights significance. Use "urgently" when immediate action is needed, and "important" when something has significant value or impact, regardless of the time factor. An issue can be both important and require attention "immediately".