an impression of

USAGE SUMMARY

"an impression of" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the feeling or idea that something gives you. For example: I had an impression of beauty and serenity walking through the gardens.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The mother gives an impression of being overburdened.

BMC Pediatrics

Battle communicated an impression of strength.

The New Yorker

And an impression of strength.

The New York Times - Style

"It's more an impression of the city".

The New York Times - Arts

You form an impression of the place.

The New York Times

"It created an impression of chaos.

The Guardian

"He did an impression of the pope.

The New York Times - Arts

But an impression of grandness prevails.

The Guardian - Film

She leaves us an impression of stupid and irresponsible.

The New Yorker

But this created an impression of slipperiness and opportunism.

The Economist

The entire figure gives an impression of great elegance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an impression of" when you want to convey a subjective feeling or understanding based on incomplete or initial information. For example, "I got "an impression of" competence from her resume, but the interview revealed otherwise."

Common error

Avoid using "an impression of" when you are describing something based on direct, verifiable facts. Instead of saying "I have "an impression of" it being blue", say "It is blue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an impression of" functions as a noun phrase that often introduces a subjective evaluation or feeling about something. It serves to qualify a statement, indicating that it is based on a personal understanding rather than objective fact. Ludwig confirms this frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an impression of" is a versatile phrase used to convey a subjective understanding or feeling, often based on incomplete information. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various domains, particularly in News & Media and Science. While grammatically correct and frequently employed, it's crucial to use it appropriately, distinguishing it from concrete observations. Remember to consider alternatives like "a feeling of" or "a sense of" to refine your expression and avoid overuse. Proper application enhances clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a feeling of

Replaces "impression" with "feeling", emphasizing the emotional or sensory aspect of the experience.

a sense of

Substitutes "impression" with "sense", highlighting an intuitive understanding or awareness.

an idea of

Replaces "impression" with "idea", focusing on a mental concept or belief.

an image of

Changes "impression" to "image", suggesting a mental picture or representation.

a perception of

Replaces "impression" with "perception", emphasizing the process of becoming aware through the senses.

an understanding of

Substitutes "impression" with "understanding", indicating a grasp of the meaning or significance.

an appreciation of

Changes "impression" to "appreciation", highlighting a positive assessment or recognition of value.

an assessment of

Replaces "impression" with "assessment", focusing on a formal evaluation or judgment.

a view of

Substitutes "impression" with "view", emphasizing a particular perspective or opinion.

an estimation of

Changes "impression" to "estimation", suggesting an approximate calculation or judgment.

FAQs

How can I use "an impression of" in a sentence?

Use "an impression of" to describe a feeling, idea, or understanding you get about something. For instance, "The movie gave me "an impression of" sadness and loss."

What are some alternatives to "an impression of"?

You can use alternatives like "a feeling of", "a sense of", or "an idea of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I have an impression about" instead of "an impression of"?

While "an impression about" isn't grammatically incorrect, "an impression of" is more common and idiomatic. Using "an impression of" sounds more natural and is generally preferred.

What's the difference between "an impression of" and "a perception of"?

"An impression of" often suggests a preliminary or subjective understanding, while "a perception of" implies a more direct or sensory awareness. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize a feeling or a concrete observation.