imperative
C1Formal, Academic
Definition
Meaning
Extremely important and needing to be done or given immediate attention.
1. In grammar, the form of a verb that expresses a command or instruction (e.g., 'Go!'). 2. In philosophy (Kantian), a principle of action seen as universally necessary and binding.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As an adjective, it often describes a duty or necessity, carrying a strong sense of obligation. As a noun, it refers to a command, a necessity, or the grammatical mood.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Slight variation in formality perception; slightly more common in formal British administrative contexts.
Connotations
Similar connotations of urgency and necessity in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparable frequency, though the adjective form may be slightly more frequent in UK political/administrative writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
It is imperative that + clause (subjunctive or should)It is imperative to + infinitiveadjective + imperative (e.g., 'a moral imperative')Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a matter of imperative importance”
- “the imperative of the hour”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"Digital transformation is now a strategic imperative for all major firms."
Academic
"The author argues that addressing climate change is a categorical moral imperative."
Everyday
"It's imperative that you lock the door when you leave."
Technical
"In Latin, the imperative mood has distinct singular and plural forms."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The situation does not imperatively require such drastic measures.
- The law imperatively forbids this action.
American English
- The law imperatively forbids that action.
- The evidence does not imperatively force that conclusion.
adverb
British English
- She spoke imperatively, leaving no room for debate. (Rare, formal)
American English
- He gestured imperatively toward the door. (Rare, formal)
adjective
British English
- It is absolutely imperative you file the report by Friday.
- There is an imperative need for healthcare reform.
American English
- It's imperative you file the report by Friday.
- There is an imperative need for healthcare reform.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- 'Sit!' is an imperative.
- It is imperative to wear a seatbelt.
- It is imperative that we arrive on time for the interview.
- Following the instructions is imperative for safety.
- The government faces an imperative to reduce the budget deficit.
- In the grammar test, you must identify the imperative form of the verb.
- Kant's categorical imperative posits that one should act only according to maxims that could be universal laws.
- The strategic imperative of market expansion drove the merger talks.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: IMmediate PERformance Is A Necessity (IMPERATIVE). You must do it now.
Conceptual Metaphor
NECESSITY IS A COMMANDING FORCE / DUTY IS A HEAVY WEIGHT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'императив' for everyday 'necessity' – it can sound overly formal/philosophical. The Russian word 'необходимо' often translates better as 'it is necessary' rather than 'it is imperative'. The grammatical term 'повелительное наклонение' translates directly.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'imperatively' as an adverb is rare and awkward (e.g., 'He spoke imperatively'). Prefer 'in an imperative tone'. Confusing 'imperative' (necessity) with 'imperial' (relating to an empire).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'imperative' as a noun referring to grammar?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In formal British and American English, after 'It is imperative that...', the subjunctive ('he go', 'she be') or 'should' + infinitive is common. In informal speech, the indicative is often used ('It is imperative that he goes').
'Imperative' is stronger and denotes something that is not just important, but essential and urgent, often carrying a sense of duty or command. 'Important' is a broader, less forceful term.
Yes, though it retains a formal tone. In everyday speech, people often use 'crucial', 'vital', or 'really important' instead. 'Imperative' is perfectly natural in writing and formal speaking.
It is a central philosophical concept in Immanuel Kant's ethics. It is the ultimate, unconditional moral principle that one must act only according to rules that one could will to become universal laws applicable to all rational beings.
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