it is essential that

USAGE SUMMARY

'it is essential that' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce a clause with a necessary action or statement. For example: "It is essential that the meeting is held on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is essential that its functioning be retained and strengthened.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

"It is essential that the A.D.F.

The New York Times

It is essential that the latter prevails.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is essential that they are exposed".

The Guardian

It is essential that we take it.

The Guardian

However, it is essential that evidence be handled properly.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It is essential that Germany makes this possible.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is essential that you attend, on that date".

The Guardian

It is essential that it can continue to do so".

The Guardian

It is essential that her tragedy is not overlooked.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is essential that everybody fully understands why.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is essential that", ensure the following clause employs the subjunctive mood (base form of the verb) to convey a sense of urgency or requirement. For example, "It is essential that the report be submitted on time".

Common error

Avoid using excessive passive voice after "it is essential that". Instead of "It is essential that the problem is addressed", opt for the active voice: "It is essential that we address the problem".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is essential that" functions as a modal expression introducing a clause that states a necessity or requirement. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in various contexts, ranging from formal reports to everyday advice.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is essential that" is a versatile phrase used to underscore the critical importance of an action or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely employed across various domains, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. When using "it is essential that", ensure to employ the subjunctive mood in the subsequent clause to convey urgency. While highly effective, be mindful of overuse and consider synonyms such as "it is imperative that" or "it is crucial that" for variety. By following these guidelines, you can leverage this phrase to enhance the impact and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is imperative that

Replaces "essential" with "imperative", indicating a higher degree of urgency or necessity.

it is crucial that

Substitutes "essential" with "crucial", emphasizing the critical importance of the action or condition.

it is vital that

Uses "vital" in place of "essential", highlighting that something is indispensable for success or survival.

it is important that

Employs "important" instead of "essential", indicating that something holds significant value or consequence.

it is necessary that

Replaces "essential" with "necessary", indicating a requirement or condition that cannot be avoided.

it is key that

Uses "key" in place of "essential", stressing that something is central to achieving a particular outcome.

it is indispensable that

Substitutes "essential" with "indispensable", pointing out that something is absolutely necessary or cannot be done without.

it is paramount that

Employs "paramount" instead of "essential", indicating the highest level of importance or priority.

it is fundamental that

Replaces "essential" with "fundamental", emphasizing that something is a basic and necessary part of a foundation.

it is critical that

Substitutes "essential" with "critical", stressing the potentially decisive nature of the following action or condition.

FAQs

What does "it is essential that" mean?

The phrase "it is essential that" indicates something is very important or necessary and must be done or considered. It's used to emphasize the importance of a particular action or condition.

How do I use "it is essential that" in a sentence?

Use "it is essential that" to introduce a clause expressing a requirement or necessity. For example, "It is essential that "everyone attends" the meeting".

What are some alternatives to "it is essential that"?

You can use alternatives such as "it is imperative that", "it is crucial that", or "it is vital that" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "it is essential that" or "it is important that"?

While both phrases indicate significance, "it is essential that" suggests a higher degree of necessity or urgency compared to "it is important that". Choose the phrase that best reflects the level of importance you want to convey.