imperative that

USAGE SUMMARY

"imperative that" is a correct and widely used phrase in written English.
It can be used when one wishes to emphasize the importance of doing or not doing something, and is often used in formal contexts. Example: It is imperative that all employees follow safety protocols in the workplace.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

That's a national imperative that will require national sacrifice.

Huffington Post

But it is imperative that they do.

Independent

It's imperative that we do more".

Independent

It's imperative that we address this.

The Guardian - Opinion

There a moral imperative that we act.

The Guardian

It's absolutely imperative that we stay in".

The Guardian

"It's imperative that dialogue begin," she said.

The New York Times

It is imperative that it does.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's imperative that the court says yes.

The New York Times

Look, it's really imperative that I get my unit tomorrow.

The New Yorker

Yet it is imperative that it is rebuilt.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "imperative that", follow it with a clause in the subjunctive mood (base form of the verb) to convey a sense of urgency or necessity. For example, "It is imperative that the report be submitted by Friday."

Common error

Avoid using modal verbs like "should" or "must" after "imperative that". The correct structure involves the subjunctive mood (base form of the verb). Instead of "It is imperative that he should attend", use "It is imperative that he attend".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "imperative that" functions as a connector introducing a subordinate clause expressing necessity or urgency. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "imperative that" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to emphasize the necessity of a particular action or condition. Ludwig AI validates its appropriate use in a variety of formal contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business domains. When using "imperative that", ensure the subsequent clause employs the subjunctive mood (base form of the verb) and avoid the unnecessary use of modal verbs. Related phrases such as "essential that" or "crucial that" can serve as effective alternatives, offering slight variations in emphasis and tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential that

Replaces "imperative" with "essential", suggesting something is absolutely necessary.

crucial that

Substitutes "imperative" with "crucial", highlighting the critical importance of something.

vital that

Uses "vital" instead of "imperative", emphasizing the life-or-death importance of something.

necessary that

Replaces "imperative" with "necessary", indicating something is required.

mandatory that

Substitutes "imperative" with "mandatory", suggesting something is required by rule or law.

obligatory that

Uses "obligatory" instead of "imperative", implying a moral or legal requirement.

indispensable that

Replaces "imperative" with "indispensable", meaning something is absolutely essential and cannot be done without.

it is a must that

Uses a more direct and forceful construction to express necessity.

it is of the utmost importance that

Emphasizes the high degree of importance, making the statement more emphatic.

it is critical that

Replaces "imperative" with "critical", stressing the severity of the situation if the action is not taken.

FAQs

How can I use "imperative that" in a sentence?

Use "imperative that" to emphasize the necessity of a particular action or outcome. For example, "It is "imperative that" we address this issue immediately".

What can I say instead of "imperative that"?

You can use alternatives like "essential that", "crucial that", or "vital that" to convey a similar sense of necessity.

Is it correct to say "imperative that should"?

No, using "should" after "imperative that" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form uses the base form of the verb without any modal auxiliary verbs. For example, say "It is "imperative that" he attend", not "It is "imperative that" he should attend".

What is the difference between "imperative that" and "necessary that"?

While both phrases express necessity, ""imperative that"" often implies a greater sense of urgency or moral obligation than "necessary that".