Expressões Imp

Most impersonal expressions follow a simple logic. They combine a verb with an adjective or noun. The most common verb is ser. For example, é necessário. These expressions act as triggers. They often trigger the subjunctive mood. Why? Because they express necessity, doubt, or judgment. They aren't stating a hard fact about a specific person. Sometimes they use the infinitive instead. This happens when the subject is general. You aren't talking to anyone in particular. You are stating a general rule. It’s like a grammar traffic light. It tells the rest of the sentence which path to take. You can also use reflexive verbs like tratar-se. These are the peak of formal discourse. They sound sophisticated and polished. Even native speakers find them slightly fancy. Using them correctly shows deep linguistic control.

1. 1Pick your impersonal verb or phrase. Common choices include ser, parecer, or tratar-se.
2. 2Add an adjective or noun for context. Examples: importante, urgente, or pena.
3. 3Decide on your connector. Usually, this is the word que.
4. 4Choose your mood. Use the conjuntivo (subjunctive) for specific subjects. Use the infinitivo for general statements.
5. 5Align your verb tense. If the start is present, the end is usually present. If the start is past, use the imperfect subjunctive.

Use these when writing formal emails. Use them when you want to sound objective. They are perfect for delivering feedback. Instead of saying "You are late," say é fundamental que cheguemos a horas. It sounds less like an attack. Use them in job interviews to discuss goals. Convém salientar que tenho experiência sounds great. Use them in academic writing for every thesis. They provide a sense of authority. They are also great for giving directions or rules. É proibido fumar is the classic example. It’s not about you; it’s about the rule. Use them whenever you want to move the spotlight away from the speaker.

Don't use these with your best friends at a bar. You will sound like a textbook. They are too stiff for a casual date. Imagine saying é imperativo que me passes o sal to your partner. It’s technically correct but very weird. Avoid them in emotional personal letters. They lack the warmth of direct speech. If you are angry, don't hide behind trata-se de um erro. Just say cometeste um erro if you want to be direct. Don't use them if the sentence becomes too long. Clarity is always more important than being fancy. If you sound like a legal contract, you've gone too far.

Many learners use the indicative after que. This is a big no-no for C1. You must use the subjunctive. É preciso que você vai is wrong. It must be é preciso que você vá. Another mistake is forgetting the se in trata-se. People often say trata de. That changes the meaning entirely. Don't mix up haver and ter. In formal Portuguese, use há for "there is." Tem is too informal for this level. Some people use the personal infinitive where the impersonal is needed. If the subject is everyone, keep it simple. Don't overcomplicate the endings. Finally, don't use too many in one paragraph. It makes your writing hard to breathe. Use them like salt; a little goes a long way.

Compare é importante fazer with é importante que faças. The first is for everyone. The second is just for you. It’s a subtle but vital shift. Also, compare parece que with é certo que. Parece que triggers the subjunctive because it’s a feeling. É certo que triggers the indicative because it’s a fact. This is the ultimate test of your mood control. Another contrast is between haver and existir. Haver is impersonal and never goes plural for "there are." Existir is a regular verb and must agree. Há problemas vs Existem problemas. Knowing this distinction is the hallmark of a C1 student. It shows you understand the mechanics of the language deeply.