B2 Expression Formal

É imprescindível.

It's essential.

Phrase in 30 Seconds

Use 'É imprescindível' when something is absolutely vital and cannot be skipped or ignored.

  • Means: It is essential, necessary, or indispensable.
  • Used in: Professional emails, formal instructions, and serious warnings.
  • Don't confuse: It is not a suggestion; it implies a requirement.
Checklist + Exclamation mark = Essential requirement

Explanation at your level:

This phrase means something is very, very important. You use it when you need something to happen. It is a big word for 'must'.
Use 'é imprescindível' to say that something is necessary. It is a formal way to say that you cannot do a task without this thing. It is common in work emails.
This expression indicates an absolute necessity. It is used when a task or item is vital for success. It is more formal than 'importante' and is often used in professional or academic contexts to set clear expectations.
As a B2 learner, you should use 'é imprescindível' to convey high-stakes requirements. It functions as an impersonal expression that demands attention. It is frequently followed by the subjunctive mood, which adds a layer of grammatical complexity suitable for professional communication and formal writing.
The term 'imprescindível' serves as a lexical marker of high-register discourse. It denotes an ontological necessity—something that cannot be excised from a process without compromising the integrity of the whole. Its usage requires mastery of the subjunctive mood to express the necessity of an action, reflecting a sophisticated command of Portuguese syntax and pragmatic nuance.
At the C2 level, 'é imprescindível' is understood as a rhetorical device to establish authority and non-negotiable parameters. It functions within the domain of deontic modality, where the speaker imposes a requirement based on external necessity. Its usage is a hallmark of formal, institutional, or academic registers, requiring precise alignment with the following clause to maintain the logical coherence of the argument.

Meaning

Emphasizes that something is absolutely necessary; indispensable.

🌍

Cultural Background

In Brazilian corporate culture, this word is used to show you are serious about deadlines.

🎯

Subjunctive rule

Always use the subjunctive after 'que' with this phrase.

Meaning

Emphasizes that something is absolutely necessary; indispensable.

🎯

Subjunctive rule

Always use the subjunctive after 'que' with this phrase.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct structure.

É imprescindível que você ____ (estudar) para a prova.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: estude

Subjunctive is required after 'é imprescindível que'.

🎉 Score: /1

Visual Learning Aids

Frequently Asked Questions

1 questions

No, it sounds too formal.

Related Phrases

🔄

Ser fundamental

synonym

To be fundamental

Where to Use It

💼

Work Meeting

Boss: É imprescindível que todos tragam os relatórios.

formal

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'im-prescind-ible' as 'I'm-pressing-the-bell' because it is urgent and you cannot ignore it.

Visual Association

Imagine a locked door that requires a key. The key is labeled 'imprescindível'. Without it, you cannot enter.

Story

Maria is preparing for a big presentation. She realizes her laptop is missing. She tells her team, 'É imprescindível encontrar o laptop!' They search everywhere because they know she isn't joking.

Word Web

necessáriofundamentalobrigatórioessencialindispensávelvital

Challenge

Write three sentences about your job or studies using 'É imprescindível'.

In Other Languages

Spanish high

Es imprescindible

Pronunciation is the main difference.

Easily Confused

É imprescindível. vs É importante

Learners use it for everything.

Use 'imprescindível' for requirements, 'importante' for suggestions.

FAQ (1)

No, it sounds too formal.

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!