In both spoken and written English, the use of impersonal expressions can help convey general ideas or facts without directing them at a specific person. These expressions are particularly useful in formal writing, objective statements, or when the subject is unknown or irrelevant. One common impersonal expression is It is important to This structure allows the speaker or writer to present a statement that applies broadly, without assigning responsibility or focusing on who is doing the action. Using such an expression can make your writing sound more neutral, academic, or diplomatic, depending on the context.
What Is an Impersonal Expression?
An impersonal expression is a phrase that does not refer directly to any specific subject or person. These expressions often start with the word it and are followed by a form of the verb to be, an adjective, and the infinitive form of a verb. They are commonly used to give advice, express necessity, share opinions, or state facts in an indirect or generalized manner.
Examples of Common Impersonal Expressions
- It is important to…
- It is necessary to…
- It is advisable to…
- It is possible to…
- It is likely that…
- It is believed that…
These expressions are widely used in academic, business, and formal writing to avoid using first or second person perspectives like I, we, or you.
Focus on One Impersonal Expression It Is Important To…
Let’s explore one specific impersonal expression in depthIt is important to…This phrase is useful for emphasizing the significance of an action or idea. It suggests that the subject or action that follows deserves attention or should be considered seriously.
Structure of the Expression
The typical structure is
It + is + adjective + to + base verb
In this caseIt is important to + verb
Examples in Context
- It is important to eat a balanced diet.
- It is important to follow safety guidelines in the workplace.
- It is important to respect other people’s opinions.
- It is important to arrive on time for interviews.
As you can see, the expression can be used in a wide variety of topics, from health and safety to etiquette and professionalism.
Benefits of Using It Is Important To…
There are several reasons why this expression is useful and effective, especially in formal or instructional writing
- Neutral ToneIt avoids assigning responsibility to any individual, making it suitable for guidelines or advice.
- ClarityThe expression clearly signals that the following action is significant.
- FormalityIt sounds professional and polite, often used in academic essays, business memos, or official communications.
- FlexibilityIt can be adapted to almost any topic or subject matter.
Impersonal Expressions in Academic Writing
Academic writing often requires a tone that is objective and impersonal. Using expressions like It is important to… allows the writer to avoid personal opinions while still stating the importance of a concept or action.
Examples in Academic Contexts
- It is important to consider the historical context when analyzing the novel.
- It is important to use reliable data in scientific research.
- It is important to cite sources properly to avoid plagiarism.
These types of sentences emphasize the importance of actions or principles without suggesting personal bias.
Using Variations of the Expression
To improve your writing, you can use variations that still maintain the impersonal tone but offer slight changes in meaning or emphasis.
Alternative Forms
- It is essential to…
- It is crucial to…
- It is necessary to…
- It is helpful to…
Examples
- It is crucial to act quickly in emergency situations.
- It is helpful to take notes during lectures.
These variations allow for a more dynamic style while maintaining formality and clarity.
When to Avoid Impersonal Expressions
While impersonal expressions are highly useful, there are moments when they may not be the best choice.
- In creative writingFirst-person or character-focused narration may be more engaging.
- In informal conversationsDirect language using you or we may feel more personal and relatable.
- In persuasive writingPersonal voice can make arguments more compelling when done correctly.
That said, even in those contexts, impersonal expressions can still appear occasionally for balance or emphasis.
Tips for Using It Is Important To… Effectively
To make the best use of this expression, consider the following guidelines
- Use it to introduce key ideas in paragraphs.
- Follow it with clear, actionable verbs (e.g., understand, follow, analyze, respect).
- Avoid repeating it too frequently combine it with other expressions or sentence structures for variety.
- Make sure the action that follows is relevant to your audience or purpose.
Example
Instead of writing It is important to prepare, over and over again, you might say
It is essential to review the agenda. It is also important to communicate any concerns in advance.
Practice Using Impersonal Expressions
Try writing sentences using It is important to… on different topics. Here are some prompts to practice with
- Healthy living
- Education
- Technology
- Environment
- Workplace communication
Sample Answers
- It is important to exercise regularly to maintain good health.
- It is important to submit assignments on time.
- It is important to update software to prevent security risks.
- It is important to reduce plastic waste to protect marine life.
- It is important to listen actively during meetings.
Using one impersonal expression like It is important to… can significantly enhance the clarity, neutrality, and professionalism of your writing. Whether you’re writing an essay, giving instructions, or sharing information in a formal setting, this phrase allows you to express important ideas without making the message sound too personal or biased. Mastering impersonal expressions will make your English writing more effective and appropriate in academic, workplace, or official contexts. So next time you want to state a fact or advice without sounding too direct, remember it is important to choose your words carefully.