grammar · formal
It is + adjective + that + subject + base verb (subjunctive)
A formal structure that emphasises necessity or recommendation; after 'that' the verb uses the base form (no -s for third person).
Examples
“It is essential that the government allocate more funds to education.”
“It is vital that every candidate arrive before 8 a.m. on the test day.”
“It is crucial that the committee review the proposal thoroughly.”
Band 8 sentence
“It is imperative that policymakers address structural inequality if the country hopes to achieve long-term stability.”
Collocations
- It is essential that + clause
- It is imperative that + clause
Common mistakes
It is important that he *goes* to the meeting.→It is important that he go to the meeting.
It is necessary that she *should attend* the conference.→It is necessary that she attend the conference.
Say it for a higher band
5It is + adjective + that + subject + verb-s→6It is + adjective + that + subject + should + base verb→7+It is + adjective + that + subject + base verb
Synonyms
It is important that + clause
Easily confused
It is + adjective + to + base verb
“It is important to protect endangered species.”
Related words
Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.
In Tenses
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