a big impression

USAGE SUMMARY

"a big impression" is correct and is used in written English.
You can use it to describe a notable impact something had on you. For example: "The movie left a big impression on me, and I can't stop thinking about it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He made a big impression.

BBC

"It has a big impression.

The New York Times

It made a big impression on me.

The New York Times

Q. Obviously that Sunday conversation had a big impression on you. A. Big impression.

The New York Times

It left a big impression upon him.

The Guardian - Film

Well, it made a big impression, honestly".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That made a big impression on me".

The New York Times - Arts

That's something that made a big impression.

The Guardian - Sport

He made a big impression on me.

The New York Times

"He made a big impression on me," Mr. Gilvarry recalled.

The New York Times

"I think we've made a big impression," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a big impression" to describe how someone or something has noticeably affected you or others. It is suitable for situations where the impact is significant but not necessarily life-altering.

Common error

Avoid using "a big impression" when describing trivial events or minor occurrences. Reserve it for situations where the impact is genuinely noteworthy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big impression" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb (e.g., make, leave). It describes the degree of impact or influence something has on someone or something, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a big impression" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a notable impact or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's important to reserve this phrase for situations where the impact is genuinely significant, avoiding overuse in trivial contexts. Related alternatives include "a strong impact" and "a lasting influence", offering nuanced ways to express the degree and duration of the effect. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively communicate the significance of an event or experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong impact

Focuses on the intensity of the effect.

a significant effect

Emphasizes the importance or consequence of the impact.

a lasting influence

Highlights the enduring nature of the impact.

a profound effect

Suggests a deeply felt or significant impact.

made its mark

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate a notable impact.

left its mark

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate a memorable impact.

an unforgettable impact

Underscores the memorability and intensity of an impact

a considerable influence

Emphasizes the degree of influence something has.

a notable effect

Suggests the effect is worthy of being noticed.

a powerful effect

Focuses on the strength of the effect.

FAQs

How can I use "a big impression" in a sentence?

You can use "a big impression" to describe the effect something has on you or someone else. For example: "The speaker made "a big impression" on the audience with his passionate speech."

What are some alternatives to "a big impression"?

Alternatives include "a strong impact", "a significant effect", or "a lasting influence". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a big impression on" or "a big impression with"?

The correct preposition to use is "on". You make "a big impression" on someone or something. Using "with" would be grammatically incorrect in this context.

What does it mean when someone says something "left a big impression"?

It means that the experience or event was memorable and had a significant impact on the person. It suggests that the experience will likely be remembered for a long time.