it's imperative

USAGE SUMMARY

"it's imperative" is a perfectly correct phrase that is often used in written English.
It is often used to emphasize the importance of a certain task, e.g., "It's imperative that we finish the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's imperative for the future health of America's scientific organism.

Science Magazine

It's imperative that we harness our huge population and all its potential for football.

The Guardian

Today, it's imperative.

The New York Times

It's imperative we act".

The Guardian - Film

It's imperative that we do more".

Independent

It's imperative that the court says yes.

The New York Times

It's imperative that we address this.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's imperative today to drive," he said.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

"It's imperative to pay the living wage.

The Guardian

"It's imperative to keep the cast as young as possible.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with a 'that' clause (e.g., "It's imperative that we act") or a 'to' infinitive (e.g., "It's imperative to act") for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it's imperative" for trivial or low-stakes situations. Using such a strong term for minor tasks can lead to 'emphasis fatigue', where the reader stops taking your sense of urgency seriously. Save it for truly critical requirements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's imperative" functions as an impersonal construction (using the dummy subject "it") followed by a linking verb and a predicate adjective. According to Ludwig AI, this structure is primarily used to introduce a propositional content that carries a high degree of modality, specifically deontic necessity (obligation).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Social Media

3%

Reference

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it's imperative" is a robust and highly effective way to signal that something is absolutely necessary. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use in top-tier publications like The New York Times and BBC, where it frequently introduces calls to action regarding climate change, political dialogue and public health. Whether followed by a "that" clause or an infinitive, it remains one of the most reliable markers of urgency in the English language. When you need to move beyond simply saying "it is important" and want to convey a sense of unavoidable requirement, "it's imperative" is your best choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's essential

Slightly less forceful but suggests that the action is a fundamental requirement

it's crucial

Focuses on the action being a deciding factor in success or failure

it's vital

Implies that the action is necessary for the life or health of a project or organism

it's critical

Often used in time-sensitive or high-stakes technical and medical contexts

it's paramount

Elevates the necessity to the highest level of priority

it's of the utmost importance

A more wordy, formal way to emphasize the high value of the action

it's a necessity

Uses a noun form to state that the action is an unavoidable requirement

it's indispensable

Suggests that the thing or action cannot be done without

it is mandatory

Suggests a legal or official obligation rather than just a logical necessity

it's urgent

Specifically emphasizes the need for immediate speed over general necessity

FAQs

How do I use "it's imperative" in a sentence?

You can use "it's imperative" to start a sentence that highlights a requirement. For example, "It's imperative that we finish the report today" or "It's imperative to follow the safety guidelines."

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

While "it's important" suggests something has value, "it's imperative" implies that it is an absolute requirement or a command that must be followed immediately.

Is "it's imperative" formal or informal?

The phrase is versatile but leans toward a neutral to formal register. It is frequently seen in "professional correspondence" and journalistic writing, though it also appears in instructional guides like WikiHow.

Can I say "it's imperative for"?

Yes, you can use "for" to specify the recipient or the goal, such as in the example from Science Magazine: "It's imperative for the future health of America's scientific organism."