Meaning
It is absolutely necessary (subjunctive)
Primary Function
Strong mandatory recommendation
Communicative Purpose
To express an urgent necessity or duty
Pattern
It is imperative that
Core Structure
It is imperative that
Função primária
Strong mandatory recommendation
Propósito comunicativo
To express an urgent necessity or duty
Situações de gatilho
Formal advice, policy recommendations, urgent calls to action
Contextos
Academic, professional, official
Padrão
It is imperative that
Estrutura central
It is imperative that
Slots de substituição
subject, base verb
Colocados típicos
- It is imperative that she be informed
- that action be taken
- that we act.
Substituições comuns
- “It is essential that”
- “It is vital that”
- “It is crucial that”
Erros comuns
Using “is” instead of base form: *It’s imperative that he is* → he be. Using “should” (acceptable in BrE) but pure subjunctive more formal.
Similar / contraste
“It is of the utmost importance that”
Interferências
Subjunctive often avoided by learners; BrE allows “should”
Família do chunk
- mandative subjunctive frames
Nuance
Conveys serious, non-negotiable necessity
Efeito pragmático
Extremely strong directive; appropriate for policy
Dica de memória
“It is imperative that … base verb …”
Nota
This chunk uses the mandative subjunctive, which is often avoided by learners. The subjunctive form is required for the verb following 'that' to convey the necessary urgency and formality.
Upgrade path
“It is imperative that every precaution be taken to ensure safety.”
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