a pressing matter — urgent matter (C1)
collocationC1IELTS 7+neutraloccasional
an issue or situation that needs immediate attention because it is very important or time-sensitive.
Say it like a native
Textbook There is an exigent matter demanding our immediate deliberation.
Native There's a pressing matter we need to deal with.
'Exigent matter demanding deliberation' is legalese; 'pressing matter' is plain and natural.
Pattern: a pressing matter (often used with 'deal with', 'address', 'discuss', 'resolve')
In use
- I'm sorry to cut this meeting short, but I have a pressing matter to deal with.daily life
- If I were the manager, I would prioritise any pressing matters before moving on to less urgent tasks, as this helps keep the team focused and efficient.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ We have a pressing matter to discuss about.
✓ We have a pressing matter to discuss.
You 'discuss something' — no 'about'.
Common collocations
a pressing matter— more, deal with, attend to, a more
Don't confuse it
Unlike 'an important matter,' which may not require immediate action, 'a pressing matter' always suggests that something must be dealt with right away.