imperative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "imperative" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a command or instruction that expresses urgency or necessity. Example: "In this situation, it is imperative that we act quickly to resolve the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I understand why the Lib Dems feel the imperative to challenge the notion that they are compliant accomplices marching to Conservative tunes.

The Guardian - Opinion

The moral and practical imperative to begin to put arms permanently beyond use now needs to be hammered home, particularly by the Irish government.

The Guardian

Little wonder that fairness as a moral ideal can be dismissed as hazy romanticism and the ethical imperative of the green-eyed monster.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is imperative that once the immediate crisis is over, the eyes of the world do not turn away from the region "It is imperative that once the immediate crisis is over, the eyes of the world do not turn away from the region," it said.

The Guardian

The lobbying push underlines the sensitivity surrounding Pope Francis's highly anticipated encyclical on the environment, whose aim will be to frame the climate change issue as a moral imperative.

The Guardian

Fifty years later the Irish Republic will commemorate the rebellion with equal national enthusiasm but with most of its population more concerned with the huge debts bestowed upon the current generation than the imperative of the "dead generations" urging it on to take back the north of Ireland and fulfil its historic mission towards unity.

The Guardian

At the general election, it is imperative that the SNP is seen and Scotland's voice is heard.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sources say the lessons they have drawn from Canada are threefold: first, that "showing up" at community events matters; second, that it is imperative to engage heavily with specialist minority media; and third, to mind your language.

The Guardian - Opinion

And the richer you get the less imperative there is.

The Guardian

Creative endeavour as a route out of frustration and social alienation was not just an appealing idea, Drew suggested, but a growing political imperative.

The Guardian - Tech

Labour's spokesman on Europe, Pat McFadden, told the meeting it was imperative that the party did not simply "tune back in to the normal rhythms of opposition" but honestly confronted its disasters in Scotland, England and Wales.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "imperative", ensure the context clearly establishes what is critically important and why. This strengthens the message and leaves no room for ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "imperative" in overly casual or informal settings. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for more natural alternatives like "essential" or "crucial" to maintain a conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "imperative" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate something is absolutely necessary or crucial. Ludwig AI's examples showcase its use in emphasizing the critical nature of actions or understandings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "imperative" is a versatile word mainly functioning as an adjective, signifying something of utmost importance and necessity. Ludwig AI's analysis, reflecting a high frequency in news, formal, and scientific contexts, confirms its proper and frequent usage in professional communication. When writing, remember that while "imperative" is grammatically sound across many contexts, it's most impactful when used in settings that require a sense of urgency or criticality. Overusing it in informal conversations might sound overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely necessary

Emphasizes the critical need for something, similar to imperative but more direct.

critically important

Highlights the significance of something, focusing on its impact and consequence.

of utmost importance

Indicates the highest level of significance, stressing the priority of something.

indispensable

Suggests that something is essential and cannot be done without.

vitally important

Emphasizes the life-or-death nature of something, highlighting its crucial role.

essential

Focuses on the fundamental nature of something, indicating its necessity.

crucial

Stresses the decisive role of something, indicating its impact on the outcome.

mandatory

Highlights the required or obligatory nature of something.

obligatory

Similar to mandatory, emphasizing a legal or moral requirement.

a must

Informal way of saying that something is essential or necessary.

FAQs

How can I use "imperative" in a sentence?

The word "imperative" is typically used to describe something that is absolutely necessary or crucial. For example, "It is "imperative" that we act quickly" or "Understanding the situation is "imperative" for success".

What are some alternatives to "imperative"?

You can use alternatives like "essential", "crucial", or "vital" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it is imperative for me to do something"?

Yes, that's a correct usage. The structure "it is imperative for someone to do something" is grammatically sound. You could also say "it is "imperative" that someone does something".

What's the difference between "imperative" and "important"?

"Important" means something has significance. "Imperative", on the other hand, indicates something is absolutely necessary and critical. Therefore, "imperative" carries a stronger sense of urgency and necessity than "important".