6.4 Other Impersonal Expressions

Impersonal expressions in Spanish are key tools for conveying general ideas and opinions without specifying a subject. They're versatile, used in both formal and casual settings to express necessity, importance, or possibility.

These expressions, like "hay que" and "es importante," can be combined with infinitives or subjunctive clauses. They're crucial for giving advice, making recommendations, or discussing societal norms in a more objective manner.

Impersonal expressions in Spanish

Commonly used impersonal expressions

• Impersonal expressions are phrases that do not have a specific subject and express general ideas, opinions, or necessity
• Common impersonal expressions include hay que (it is necessary to), es necesario (it is necessary), es importante (it is important), es posible (it is possible), es imposible (it is impossible), es fácil (it is easy), es difícil (it is difficult), and es mejor (it is better)
• These expressions are frequently used in both formal (academic papers, business meetings) and informal (casual conversations, social media posts) contexts to convey ideas without referring to a specific person or group
• Impersonal expressions allow speakers to express thoughts or opinions in a more general or objective manner, avoiding direct references to individuals or groups

Contexts for using impersonal expressions

• Impersonal expressions are versatile and can be used in a wide range of situations, such as giving advice, making recommendations, or expressing opinions
• In professional settings (job interviews, presentations), impersonal expressions can help maintain a formal and objective tone, focusing on the ideas rather than the individuals involved
• When providing constructive criticism or feedback, impersonal expressions can soften the tone and avoid directly addressing a specific person, making the message more palatable (es importante mejorar la comunicación en el equipo - it is important to improve communication within the team)
• Impersonal expressions are useful for expressing general truths or societal expectations without singling out individuals (hay que respetar las leyes - it is necessary to respect the laws)

Meaning and usage of impersonal expressions

Expressing obligation or necessity

• "Hay que" is used to express an obligation or necessity, implying that something must be done (Hay que hacer ejercicio regularmente - It is necessary to exercise regularly)
• "Es necesario" is similar to "hay que" and expresses necessity or obligation (Es necesario llegar a tiempo al aeropuerto - It is necessary to arrive at the airport on time)
• Both "hay que" and "es necesario" emphasize the importance of completing an action or fulfilling a requirement, often based on societal norms, rules, or expectations
• These expressions can be used to give strong recommendations or advice, stressing the significance of the action being discussed (Hay que comer frutas y verduras todos los días - It is necessary to eat fruits and vegetables every day)

Expressing importance or significance

• "Es importante" is used to express the importance or significance of an action or idea (Es importante ahorrar dinero para el futuro - It is important to save money for the future)
• This expression highlights the value or relevance of a particular concept, action, or behavior, often based on personal beliefs, societal values, or common sense
• "Es importante" can be used to provide guidance, stress priorities, or emphasize key points in a discussion (Es importante escuchar activamente durante una conversación - It is important to listen actively during a conversation)
• The expression can also be used to express personal opinions or judgments about the significance of a topic or issue (Es importante proteger el medio ambiente - It is important to protect the environment)

Using impersonal expressions in communication

Written communication

• Impersonal expressions can be used in various forms of written communication, such as essays, reports, emails, or social media posts, to convey a formal or objective tone
• In academic writing (research papers, dissertations), impersonal expressions help maintain a neutral and unbiased perspective, focusing on the ideas and arguments rather than personal opinions
• When writing professional emails or memos, impersonal expressions can help convey a sense of professionalism and formality, emphasizing the importance of the message (Es necesario que todos los empleados asistan a la capacitación - It is necessary for all employees to attend the training)
• Using impersonal expressions in written communication demonstrates a more advanced understanding of the language and its nuances, making the writing appear more sophisticated and well-structured

Spoken communication

• Impersonal expressions can be incorporated into spoken communication to express ideas, give advice, or make recommendations in a more general or indirect manner
• When providing feedback or criticism in a conversation, impersonal expressions can help soften the tone and avoid directly confronting the listener (Es importante que practiques más tu pronunciación - It is important that you practice your pronunciation more)
• In formal speeches or presentations, impersonal expressions can help maintain a professional and objective tone, emphasizing the significance of the topics being discussed (Es necesario que consideremos las implicaciones a largo plazo - It is necessary that we consider the long-term implications)
• Using impersonal expressions in spoken communication can demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency and cultural awareness, as it shows an understanding of the subtle nuances and conventions of the language

Combining impersonal expressions with verbs

Using infinitives with impersonal expressions

• Infinitives are used after impersonal expressions when the action is considered certain or when expressing a general truth
• The structure "impersonal expression + infinitive" is common when the speaker wants to convey a sense of certainty or objectivity (Es posible aprender un nuevo idioma a cualquier edad - It is possible to learn a new language at any age)
• Infinitives are often used with impersonal expressions to give general advice, recommendations, or instructions (Es importante leer las instrucciones antes de usar el aparato - It is important to read the instructions before using the appliance)
• When using infinitives with impersonal expressions, the focus is on the action itself, rather than the person performing it, making the statement more universal and applicable to a wider audience

Using subjunctive clauses with impersonal expressions

• Subjunctive clauses are used after impersonal expressions when the action is considered uncertain, hypothetical, or dependent on other factors
• The structure "impersonal expression + que + subjunctive" is used when the speaker wants to express doubt, desire, or a condition that must be met (Es necesario que estudies más para mejorar tus calificaciones - It is necessary that you study more to improve your grades)
• Subjunctive clauses are often used with impersonal expressions to give personal opinions, recommendations, or express desires or emotions (Es importante que cuides tu salud mental - It is important that you take care of your mental health)
• When using subjunctive clauses with impersonal expressions, the focus is on the person performing the action and the uncertainty or subjectivity of the statement, making it more personal and dependent on individual circumstances