What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
urgent
Example
This is an urgent matter that needs to be addressed immediately. [urgent: adjective]
Example
I received an urgent message from my boss asking me to come to the office as soon as possible. [urgent: adjective]
imperative
Example
It is imperative that we find a solution to this problem before it gets worse. [imperative: adjective]
Example
The doctor gave me an imperative order to take my medication on time. [imperative: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Urgent is more commonly used than imperative in everyday language, and is versatile enough to be used in various contexts. Imperative, on the other hand, is more formal and less common in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between urgent and imperative?
Imperative is more formal than urgent, and is often used in professional or academic contexts where a commanding tone is appropriate. Urgent, on the other hand, is more neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
