an impression that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an impression that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a belief or perception about something based on available information or experiences. Example: "After our conversation, I got the impression that she was not interested in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is an impression that is both flawed and problematic.

The Guardian - Opinion

A videotape, an ill-considered answering-machine message, makes an impression that is not easily undone.

The New Yorker

"It's more than a flier; it's an impression that goes beyond that," Mr. Wooster said.

The New York Times

It's an impression that has been growing gradually for a bit now.

The Guardian - Sport

Good thank you notes make an impression that helps even if a job search does not go in your favor.

Columbia University

But here's where this gets interesting: while precise, the number gives an impression that is fundamentally inaccurate.

University of California, Berkeley

His impending departure strengthened an impression that the C.P.B. was in the ascendancy — an impression that was reinforced on March 1st, when the C.P.B. announced a major programming initiative, "America at a Crossroads".

The New Yorker

The Australian pianist's playing profoundly touched Cherkassky's innermost feelings, creating an impression that never left him.

Johns Hopkins University

A pregnant or dimpled chad is an impression that does not perforate the ballot.

Forbes

An impression that will forever change who we are, what we do and who we become.

Huffington Post

"He makes an impression that lingers with you," Harris said.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an impression that" to convey a sense of subjective understanding or belief formed from available information. Ensure the context supports the impression being described.

Common error

Be careful not to present "an impression that" as an absolute truth. Always acknowledge it as a subjective viewpoint or interpretation, especially in formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an impression that" functions as a connector introducing a subordinate clause expressing a subjective assessment or belief. Ludwig examples confirm its role in conveying perceptions rather than concrete facts, which is also backed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

22%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

7%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an impression that" is a versatile phrase used to express a subjective belief or understanding. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, academia, and general writing. It's important to remember to frame impressions as subjective and not to overstate them as facts. While alternatives like "a feeling that" or "a sense that" exist, "an impression that" provides a clear way to convey a viewpoint based on available information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a perception that

Replaces "impression" with "perception", emphasizing a subjective understanding.

a feeling that

Substitutes "impression" with "feeling", highlighting an emotional sense.

a sense that

Uses "sense" instead of "impression", suggesting an intuitive understanding.

the idea that

Replaces the phrase with "idea", focusing on a thought or concept.

the belief that

Emphasizes a conviction or faith in something.

it seems that

Shifts the focus to apparent evidence or indication.

it appears that

Similar to "it seems that", but slightly more formal.

the assumption that

Highlights a presupposition or something taken for granted.

the understanding that

Focuses on a mutual agreement or comprehension.

one might think that

Introduces a possibility or common thought.

FAQs

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

You can use "an impression that" to express a belief or feeling based on observation. For example, "I have "an impression that" the project is well managed".

What are some alternatives to "an impression that"?

Alternatives include "a feeling that", "a sense that", or "a perception that". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "impression that" or "an impression that"?

Using "an" before "impression" is grammatically correct because "impression" starts with a vowel sound. Therefore, ""an impression that"" is the preferred form.

What's the difference between "an impression that" and "the impression that"?

"An impression that" suggests a general or initial feeling, while "the impression that" refers to a specific or already established feeling.