Cool MateEssential vs It is imperative
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Essential
Top 1,000 (very common)B1adjective
It is imperative
FormalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: It is imperativeMost common: Essential
| Essential | It is imperative | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɪˈsɛnʃəl//🇺🇸 //ɪˈsɛnʃəl// | 🇬🇧 //ɪt ɪz ɪmˈpɛrətɪv//🇺🇸 //ɪt ɪz ɪmˈpɛrətɪv// |
| Meaning | Very important or necessary. | It is very important or necessary. |
| Example | Water is essential for all living things. | It is imperative that we submit the report by the deadline. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | - |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | essential item, essential skills, essential part | it is imperative to, it is imperative that, it is absolutely imperative, it is critical and imperative, it is considered imperative |
| Antonyms | unnecessary, optional, secondary | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'essentially' which means 'basically'., Overused in informal situations where simpler words like 'basic' would suffice., Using it in negative sentences can sound awkward. | Using in casual contexts where simpler phrases work better., Confusing with 'it's important', which is less urgent. |
| Usage notes | Use 'essential' to emphasize the importance of something. It's commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. | Use in formal writing or speeches to emphasize the necessity of an action. Avoid in casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Essential vs It is imperative
What's the difference between Essential and It is imperative?
Essential: Very important or necessary. It is imperative: It is very important or necessary.
Which is more formal: Essential and It is imperative?
It is imperative is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Essential and It is imperative?
Essential is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Essential: Water is essential for all living things. It is imperative: It is imperative that we submit the report by the deadline.
Can I use Essential and It is imperative interchangeably?
Not always. Essential and It is imperative are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.