COM: Gramática Lesson - Impersonal Expressions

Impersonal Expressions

Impersonal expressions work a lot like emotions in that they express someone's opinion or value judgement. They focus on the subjectivity of the statement and not on the actual truth or reality of the situation.

  • Almost any phrase using the formula  es + adjective + que can be an impersonal expression when used with the subjunctive mood.
    • Exceptions - the following (or similar) will use the indicative mood:
      • stating a truth
        • es verdad que...
      • stating certainty
        • es cierto que...
      • stating fact
        • es un hecho que...
    • Phrases beginning with the negated forms of the above phrases use the subjunctive.
      • no es verdad que + subjunctive

Impersonal Expressions Using the Subjunctive Mood - Examples

  • Es necesario que los estudiantes lean este libro.
    • It is necessary that the students to read this book.
      • Alternative translation: The students must read this book.
  • No es cierto que el examen sea mañana.
    • It is not certain that the test is tomorrow.
  • Es probable que vayamos a Perú este verano.
    • It is likely that we are going to Peru this summer.

Useful Impersonal Expressions

Below are some useful impersonal expressions you can use with the subjunctive mood. Download the Impersonal Expressions in the Spanish Subjunctive Mood Links to an external site. handout for additional details.

Useful Subjunctive Impersonal Expressions
Spanish: English Spanish: English
  1. es agradable: it is nice
  2. es necesario: it is necessary
  3. es bueno: it is good
  4. es probable: it is likely/probable
  5. es curioso: it is curious/weird
  6. es raro: it is rare/strange/odd
  7. es dudoso: it is doubtful
  8. es recomendable: it is recommended
  9. es esencial: it is essential
  10. es una lástima: it is a pity
  1. es estupendo: it is great
  2. es urgente: it is urgent
  3. es extraño: it is strange
  4. es vergonzoso: it is a disgrace
  5. es importante: it is important
  6. no es cierto: it is not certain
  7. es increíble: it is incredible
  8. no es un hecho: it is not a fact
  9. es malo: it is bad
  10. no es verdad: it is not true

Practice Activity

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