Language is filled with different ways to express ideas, emotions, and facts. One interesting aspect of communication, especially in both written and spoken forms, is the use of impersonal expressions. These expressions allow the speaker or writer to make statements without directly linking them to a specific person or subject. Rather than focusing on who performs an action, impersonal expressions emphasize the idea or action itself. This linguistic feature is widely used in academic writing, formal conversation, and even everyday speech. Understanding what impersonal expressions are, how they work, and why they matter helps improve communication clarity and tone.
Understanding Impersonal Expressions
Impersonal expressions are phrases or sentences that do not refer to a specific person or subject. Instead, they make general statements or observations. These expressions are commonly formed using the impersonal subject it or passive structures. In many languages, including English, impersonal expressions serve as useful tools to convey opinions, facts, or assumptions while maintaining a neutral or formal tone.
Key Characteristics of Impersonal Expressions
- They do not specify a person as the subject.
- They are often used with the pronoun it.
- They are common in academic, official, and objective communication.
- They help avoid assigning responsibility or opinion to a specific individual.
Common Structures of Impersonal Expressions
Using It as a Dummy Subject
One of the most recognizable forms of impersonal expression is using it as a dummy or empty subject. In these sentences, it does not refer to any specific thing. Instead, it acts as a grammatical placeholder.
Examples
- It is important to stay hydrated during summer.
- It seems that the meeting has been postponed.
- It is believed that the Earth is warming.
Passive Voice Constructions
Passive voice is another structure used to create impersonal expressions. In passive sentences, the action is emphasized more than the doer. This structure is helpful when the doer is unknown, irrelevant, or intentionally omitted.
Examples
- The documents were signed yesterday.
- The law was passed in 2020.
- Decisions were made without consultation.
Formal and Academic Phrasing
In academic writing, impersonal expressions are used to express ideas objectively. Authors use these structures to state facts or theories without sounding personal or emotional.
Examples
- It is widely accepted that climate change is a global issue.
- It has been demonstrated that exercise improves mental health.
- It is necessary to consider all available evidence.
Functions of Impersonal Expressions
Maintaining Objectivity
Impersonal expressions help the speaker or writer remain neutral. This is particularly important in academic or scientific contexts where personal bias should be avoided. By removing personal references, the focus stays on the information itself rather than on who is delivering it.
Creating Formal Tone
In formal settings, such as business or law, impersonal expressions provide a professional tone. They lend authority and seriousness to the message, making it sound more polished and respectful.
Avoiding Blame or Responsibility
Sometimes, people use impersonal expressions to avoid assigning blame. This can be strategic in sensitive situations or when a diplomatic tone is needed.
ExampleMistakes were made avoids naming who made the mistakes.
Generalizing Ideas
These expressions are useful when making broad statements or presenting facts that apply to many people or situations. Instead of pointing to one individual, the statement can refer to humanity, society, or situations in general.
ExampleIt is common for people to feel nervous before interviews.
Types of Impersonal Expressions
Weather and Time Statements
Some of the simplest impersonal expressions describe weather or time. In these cases, it acts as a subject, even though no specific person is involved.
- It is raining.
- It’s getting late.
- It was cold yesterday.
Abstract Observations
These expressions reflect thoughts or opinions but without specifying who holds them. They are useful in argumentation and discussion.
- It is thought that the new policy will improve productivity.
- It appears that he misunderstood the instructions.
Moral and Ethical Statements
When making ethical or moral judgments, impersonal expressions help depersonalize the statement, making it more broadly acceptable.
- It is wrong to cheat.
- It is essential to tell the truth.
Benefits of Using Impersonal Expressions
Impersonal expressions offer many practical benefits in both writing and speaking. They make communication more formal, objective, and universal. They help avoid unnecessary conflict or blame and ensure that the information shared focuses on ideas and facts rather than personal viewpoints.
Clearer Communication
These expressions simplify the sentence structure and remove personal bias, making it easier for the audience to understand the message without distraction.
Increased Professionalism
Especially in resumes, reports, and academic writing, impersonal expressions increase the level of professionalism. They indicate a mature and refined approach to conveying ideas.
Versatility in Language
Impersonal expressions can be used in various settings, from casual observations to scholarly debates. Their flexibility makes them essential tools in any language user’s toolkit.
Impersonal expressions are an important feature of language that allows for objective, clear, and respectful communication. Whether you’re writing a research paper, delivering a speech, or making a general observation, understanding how to use these expressions correctly adds strength and clarity to your message. They help speakers and writers step away from personal bias and deliver content that is informative, neutral, and universally understandable. As part of effective communication, mastering impersonal expressions opens the door to more impactful and professional interactions.