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Grammar fix

a pressing matter

urgent matter (C1)

an issue or situation that needs immediate attention because it is very important or time-sensitive.

collocationC1occasional

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • 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

Fix the pattern

Pattern: a pressing matter (often used with 'deal with', 'address', 'discuss', 'resolve')

WrongWe have a pressing matter to discuss about.

RightWe have a pressing matter to discuss.

You 'discuss something' — no 'about'.

Patterna pressing matter (often used with 'deal with', 'address', 'discuss', 'resolve')

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff There is an exigent matter demanding our immediate deliberation.

Natural There's a pressing matter we need to deal with.

'Exigent matter demanding deliberation' is legalese; 'pressing matter' is plain and natural.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • a pressing matter
    moredeal withattend toa 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.

Try it in Daily Speak →