Impersonal Expressions

Impersonal expressions are commonly used to express general truths, obligations, or requirements without attributing the action to a particular individual or entity.In English, it is often used as an impersonal subject.

These expressions start with the verb ser in the third-person singular (é, foi, era, seria, será) followed by an adjective. After the adjective, we might use an infinitive (personal or impersonal form), a noun or noun phrase:

• É fundamental respeitar os direitos humanos. (It is fundamental to respect human rights.)
• Será importante respeitares as regras. (It will be important that you respect the rules.)
• É suposto sermos melhores do que eles (We're supposed to be better than them.)
• É preciso mais cadeiras. (More chairs are needed.)

Sometimes, there is a que after the adjective, and in that case, the expression is followed by a verb conjugated in the subjunctive mood:

• É importante que sejam pontuais. (It is important that you [plural] are punctual.)
• É preciso que vás rápido. (It’s necessary that you [informal] go quickly.)
• Era melhor que viessem hoje. (It would be better that you came today.)

☝️ There is an exception:

If the verb expresses certainty, the indicative mood is used.

• 🤒 É evidente que ela está doente. (It’s clear that she is sick.)
• Era óbvio que eles queriam ir embora. (It was obvious they wanted to leave.)