In the journey of mastering English, especially for academic exams like IELTS or in professional environments, using grammar accurately and flexibly is key to making a great impression. One advanced grammatical structure that conveys formality and a strong command is the subjunctive mood with "It is vital that..." or "It is essential that...". Mastering this structure not only helps you convey ideas decisively but is also an excellent way to boost your score in the Writing section.

What is the "It is vital that" structure and when is it used?

The "It is vital that..." structure is a form of the subjunctive mood in English, used to emphasize the importance, necessity, or urgency of an action or event. It often appears in formal contexts such as academic texts, professional emails, or important speeches.

The general formula for this structure is:

It + be (is/was/will be) + Adjective + that + Subject + Verb (base form)

The most distinctive and crucial point of this structure is that the verb in the "that" clause is always in its base form (bare infinitive), regardless of whether the subject is singular or plural, and regardless of the tense of the main clause.

• Example 1: It is vital that every student submit their assignment on time. (NOT 'submits')
• Example 2: It was essential that she be present at the negotiation. (NOT 'was' or 'is')
• Example 3: It is crucial that the government take action to protect the environment. (NOT 'takes')

Why is the verb in the "that" clause in its base form without 'to'?

This is a question many English learners have. The reason lies in the nature of the subjunctive mood. The subjunctive mood is not used to describe a factual reality, but to express a desire, demand, suggestion, or a hypothetical, necessary situation that should happen. The verb in its base form emphasizes the idea of the action, rather than the action actually happening or having happened.

An easier way to understand this is that the structure implicitly contains the modal verb "should". The full sentence could be written as:

It is vital that every student (should) submit their assignment on time.

In modern English, especially American English, the word "should" is often omitted, leaving only the bare infinitive. Understanding the implicit presence of "should" will help you never conjugate the verb incorrectly in this structure.

Which adjectives are commonly used with this subjunctive structure?

Besides "vital" and "essential", a range of other adjectives are also used in this subjunctive structure to express different shades of meaning. Diversifying your vocabulary will make your writing richer and more professional.

• Expressing Importance/Necessity:
  • important: It is important that he understand the consequences of his actions.
  • necessary: It is necessary that all passengers fasten their seatbelts.
  • crucial: It is crucial that the team work together to meet the deadline.
  • imperative: It is imperative that we find a solution to this problem immediately.
  • critical: It is critical that the medical supplies reach the disaster area as soon as possible.
• Expressing Recommendation/Advice:
  • advisable: It is advisable that you book your tickets in advance.
  • recommended: It is recommended that every employee attend the safety training.
  • suggested: It is suggested that she consult a specialist.
• Expressing Demand/Requirement:
  • mandatory: It is mandatory that all visitors wear a badge.
  • required: It is required that applicants provide two letters of recommendation.
  • obligatory: It is obligatory that the company comply with the new regulations.

How to apply the "It is vital that" structure in IELTS Writing Task 2?

In IELTS Writing Task 2, using a diverse and accurate range of complex grammatical structures is a key criterion for achieving a high score (band 7.0+). The "It is vital that..." structure is a powerful tool to demonstrate your linguistic ability. This is an advanced form of the IELTS subjunctive mood that helps you score points for Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

You can use this structure in different parts of the essay:

• In the Introduction: To state the importance of the topic under discussion.
  Example: In a world facing unprecedented environmental challenges, it is imperative that both governments and individuals take responsibility for sustainable practices.
• In the Body Paragraphs: When proposing solutions to a problem.
  Example: To mitigate traffic congestion in major urban centers, it is essential that the authorities invest more in public transportation systems.
• In the Conclusion: To reaffirm the necessity of an action.
  Example: In conclusion, to ensure a prosperous future for the next generation, it is vital that we prioritize education and healthcare.

What are common mistakes when using "It is essential that"?

Although the structure is quite simple, learners often make some basic errors. Let's identify and avoid them:

1. Adding 's' or 'es' to the verb after a singular subject: This is the most common mistake.
   • INCORRECT: It is important that he finishes his work.
   • CORRECT: It is important that he finish his work.
2. Using the past or continuous tense for the verb: The verb must always be in its base form.
   • INCORRECT: It was crucial that they were on time.
   • CORRECT: It was crucial that they be on time.
3. Adding 'to' before the base verb:
   • INCORRECT: It is necessary that she to contact us.
   • CORRECT: It is necessary that she contact us.

Are there other structures similar to "It is vital that"?

Absolutely! The subjunctive mood is not only used with the "It is + adj + that..." structure. It is also used after certain verbs that express a demand, suggestion, or command. The formula is:

Subject + Verb (suggest, recommend, demand, etc.) + that + Subject + Verb (base form)

Common verbs include: suggest, recommend, demand, insist, require, request, propose, ask, command, urge.

• The doctor suggested that he take a few days off work.
• The law requires that all drivers have valid insurance.
• The committee demanded that the CEO resign immediately.

Mastering the It is vital that structure and similar subjunctive forms will be a great advantage, helping you communicate and write in English more confidently and professionally.

Conclusion

The "It is vital/essential that..." structure is a gem in the treasure trove of English grammar. While simple in its formula, it carries immense expressive power, conveying formality and high persuasiveness. By understanding its nature, practicing regularly, and avoiding common mistakes, you can confidently incorporate this structure into your writing and speaking, thereby elevating your English proficiency to a higher level.

Related Posts:

• How to Use 'So as to' and 'In order to' to Express Purpose
• Using 'What I like most about... is...' for Emphasis
• Advanced Guide to Using 'Tend to' for General Trends (Part 3)