Impersonal Expressions in Spanish: A2 Grammar Guide
◄ Back to A2 Grammar Hub || Practice with Our Impersonal Expressions Quiz ►
Key Takeaways
- Master common impersonal expressions with “es” + adjective + “que”
- Understand when impersonal expressions trigger the subjunctive mood
- Learn how to express opinions, necessity, and probability impersonally
- Practice using impersonal expressions to sound more objective and natural
- Differentiate between personal opinions and impersonal statements
Express Opinions and Necessity Objectively
Impersonal expressions allow you to state opinions, necessities, and probabilities without specifying who thinks or feels them. They’re the Spanish way to say “It is important that…” or “It is necessary to…” rather than “I think that…” Mastering these expressions will make your Spanish sound more natural and objective.
What are Impersonal Expressions?
Impersonal expressions are phrases that don’t have a specific subject. They often follow this pattern:
Es + adjective/adverb + que + [sentence]
Common Impersonal Expressions
Essential Impersonal Expressions for Everyday Use
| Category | Spanish Expression | English Equivalent | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Necessity | Es necesario que | It is necessary that | Es necesario que estudies. |
| Es importante que | It is important that | Es importante que practiques. | |
| Es esencial que | It is essential that | Es esencial que llegues a tiempo. | |
| Probability | Es posible que | It is possible that | Es posible que llueva. |
| Es probable que | It is probable that | Es probable que vengan. | |
| Es imposible que | It is impossible that | Es imposible que sepa la verdad. | |
| Opinion/Value | Es bueno que | It is good that | Es bueno que ayudes. |
| Es malo que | It is bad that | Es malo que fumes. | |
| Es mejor que | It is better that | Es mejor que descanses. | |
| Other Common | Es fácil que | It is likely that | Es fácil que se equivoque. |
| Es difícil que | It is unlikely that | Es difícil que entienda. | |
| Es una lástima que | It is a pity that | Es una lástima que no vengas. |
💡 Grammar Tip: Most impersonal expressions trigger the subjunctive mood in the clause that follows “que.” This is because they express doubt, necessity, or subjectivity rather than facts.
With Subjunctive vs. With Indicative
| Use SUBJUNCTIVE when: | Use INDICATIVE when: |
|---|---|
| Expressing doubt, necessity, or opinion | Stating facts or certainty |
| Es importante que estudies. (It’s important that you study.) | Es verdad que estudias. (It’s true that you study.) |
| Es posible que llueva. (It’s possible that it will rain.) | Es cierto que llueve. (It’s certain that it’s raining.) |
| Es bueno que vengas. (It’s good that you’re coming.) | Es obvio que vienes. (It’s obvious that you’re coming.) |
Impersonal Expressions without “que”
Some impersonal expressions don’t need “que” and are followed by infinitives:
| Expression | Structure | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Es necesario | Es necesario + infinitive | Es necesario estudiar. | It is necessary to study. |
| Es importante | Es importante + infinitive | Es importante practicar. | It is important to practice. |
| Es fácil | Es fácil + infinitive | Es fácil aprender. | It is easy to learn. |
| Es difícil | Es difícil + infinitive | Es difícil entender. | It is difficult to understand. |
Putting It All Together: Real Context
Conversation 1: Giving Advice
Ana: Es importante que hagas ejercicio regularmente.
Carlos: Sí, es necesario que me cuide más. Es posible que empiece a correr.
Ana: Es mejor que empieces poco a poco. Es fácil que te lesiones si empiezas muy fuerte.
Translation:
Ana: It’s important that you exercise regularly.
Carlos: Yes, it’s necessary that I take better care of myself. It’s possible that I’ll start running.
Ana: It’s better that you start little by little. It’s easy to get injured if you start too intensely.
Conversation 2: Planning a Trip
Jefe: Es esencial que terminemos el proyecto antes del viaje.
Empleado: Es probable que lo terminemos hoy. Es difícil que surjan problemas.
Jefe: Es una lástima que no todos puedan venir. Es bueno que al menos el equipo clave esté completo.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using indicative instead of subjunctive: “Es importante que estudias” (wrong) → “Es importante que estudies” (correct)
- Confusing “es” and “está”: “Está necesario” (wrong) → “Es necesario” (correct)
- Wrong word order: “Que es importante estudies” (wrong) → “Es importante que estudies” (correct)
- Overusing personal subjects: “Yo es importante que” (wrong) → “Es importante que” (correct)
- Mixing expression patterns: “Es necesario de que” (wrong) → “Es necesario que” (correct)
Quick Reference Chart
| Expression Type | Pattern | Subjunctive? | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Necessity | Es [adjective] que | Yes | Es necesario que vengas |
| Probability | Es [adjective] que | Yes | Es posible que llueva |
| Fact | Es [adjective] que | No | Es verdad que llueve |
| General Truth | Es [adjective] + infinitive | N/A | Es importante estudiar |
| Emotion | Es [adjective] que | Yes | Es una lástima que no vengas |
Practice Exercise: Complete with Correct Verb
Complete these sentences with the correct verb form:
- Es importante que tú ______ (estudiar) para el examen.
- Es necesario ______ (practicar) cada día.
- Es posible que ellos ______ (llegar) tarde.
- Es verdad que ella ______ (saber) la respuesta.
Answers:
- estudies (subjunctive)
- practicar (infinitive)
- lleguen (subjunctive)
- sabe (indicative – fact)
📚 Master related topics: Introduction to the Subjunctive | Present Subjunctive
Ready to Sound More Objective?
Think you’ve mastered impersonal expressions? Test your ability to express necessity, probability, and opinions objectively in Spanish!
Take Our Impersonal Expressions Quiz ►
