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tarek99
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Idiomatic Usage 15 Mar 2008, 11:06
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What is the idiomatic usage for the word "imperative"? I tried searching for it on the web, but I keep finding websites that talk about idioms in a general sense rather than answering my question directly. So if anyone knows the proper idiomatic usage for this word, I would really like to know.

thanks



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Idiomatic Usage 15 Mar 2008, 11:15
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I think it is 'imperative that'
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tarek99
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Idiomatic Usage 15 Mar 2008, 11:51
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is there also "imperative to"?
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Idiomatic Usage 15 Mar 2008, 18:03
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yes, you are correct.
the two forms are:
-imperative that
-imperative to
source: cambridge advanced learners dictionary.
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Idiomatic Usage 15 Mar 2008, 21:58
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It is imperative that he finish his homework
It is imperative to finish the homework on time

I think both idioms work
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Idiomatic Usage 16 Mar 2008, 02:03
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ok, i managed to find this source from a friend of mine who shared his notes with me. This is what it says:

"Certain adjectives can also be used with the subjunctive and 'it', such as advisable, critical, desirable, essential, fitting, imperative, important, necessary, vital."

hope this helps



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