Learn about impersonal statements in Spanish
An impersonal statement in Spanish, e.g. "Es bueno que...", "Es importante que..." (and also in the negative: No es... que...) can be followed by the infinitive or by que with a verb in the subjunctive, and both structures usually convey the same meaning.
Let's see some contrasting examples:
Both versions of the above sentences mean the same.
By using the infinitive we are stating something general. By using que + subjunctive you have to include a subject; this subject could be someone specific, you could even use a subject like "nosotros" or "ellos", but it is nevertheless still referring to a general subject.
What is important is that if you add "que" you must use the subjunctive, not the infinitive or any tense in the indicative.
Here are more examples:
Es obligatorio llevar bañador en esta playa.It is compulsory to wear a swimming-costume on this beach.
Es obligatorio que todos llevemos bañador en esta playa.It is compulsory that we all wear a swimming-costume on this beach.
Exceptions:
For impersonal statements that present something as a truth, a certainty or a fact, the structure with the infinitive doesn't work. These will be followed by que and a verb in the indicative. For example:
Es verdad que tuvieron mucho éxito en la campaña electoral.It is true that they were very successful in the election campaign.
These sentences would be incorrect if we try to use the infinitive:
Es verdad tener mucho éxito en la campaña electoral.
Es cierto ir al concierto de Julio Iglesias la semana que viene.ña electoral.
Es un hecho haber mucha pobreza e injusticia en el mundo.
See also Using the Spanish subjunctive with impersonal expressions
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