English grammar
It's important / essential that… · it's better if…
Say what is important, essential or better for someone to do.
From the scene It's important that
In short
Say what someone should do with it's important that + normal sentence. With better, use if: it's better if.
Your turn
Which one goes with it's essential that (stronger)?
Options: It's better if you don't make noise at night. · It's essential that you pay the rent on time. · It's important that you close the front door.
Show answer
it's essential that (stronger) → It's essential that you pay the rent on time.
How it works
To say what someone should do, use it's important / essential + that + a normal sentence: It's important that you close the front door.
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
It’s important that you (blank) the front door.
Options: closing · close · closes
Show answer
It’s important that you close the front door.
Es importante que cierres la puerta del portal.
Good to know
With better, English prefers if: It's better if you don't make noise. It's true that… has the same shape but just states a fact.
it's important that + clause It's important that you close the front door.
it's essential that (stronger) It's essential that you pay the rent on time.
Ramón
It's essential that you pay the rent on time.
Es necesario que pagues el alquiler a tiempo.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank).
Options: It's better if you don't make noise at night · It's essential that you pay the rent on time · It's important that you close the front door
Show answer
Ramón
It's essential that you pay the rent on time.
Es necesario que pagues el alquiler a tiempo.
it's better if + clause It's better if you don't make noise at night.
Ramón
It's better if you don't make noise at night.
Es mejor que no hagas ruido por la noche.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank).
Options: It's important that you close the front door · It's essential that you pay the rent on time · It's better if you don't make noise at night
Show answer
Ramón
It's better if you don't make noise at night.
Es mejor que no hagas ruido por la noche.
it's true that (a fact) It's true that you always pay on time.
Ramón
It's true that you always pay on time.
Es verdad que siempre pagas a tiempo.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank).
Options: It's essential that you pay the rent on time · It's true that you always pay on time · It's important that you close the front door
Show answer
Ramón
It's true that you always pay on time.
Es verdad que siempre pagas a tiempo.
Common mistake
Not pays or paying here. A fact, same shape as important.
It's true that you always pay on time.
Es verdad que siempre pagas a tiempo.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| it's important that + clause | It's important that you close the front door. |
|---|---|
| it's essential that (stronger) | It's essential that you pay the rent on time. |
| it's better if + clause | It's better if you don't make noise at night. |
| it's true that (a fact) | It's true that you always pay on time. |
More lines from the story
- RamónIt’s important that you close the front door.Es importante que cierres la puerta del portal.
- RamónIt’s important that Javi’s parents don’t ask about the lift.Es importante que los padres de Javi no pregunten por el ascensor.
- RamónNuria, there are some rules for the building.Nuria, hay unas normas del edificio.