an indelible impression

USAGE SUMMARY

"an indelible impression" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a lasting impact or memory that cannot be erased. Example: "The artist left an indelible impression on the audience with her performance." Alternative expressions include "a lasting impression" and "a permanent mark."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It made an indelible impression on me.

Independent

The experience leaves an indelible impression.

The New York Times - Books

The costume, unfortunately, leaves an indelible impression.

The New York Times

She left an indelible impression on all who knew her.

The New York Times

The 76ers had left an indelible impression on Game 1.

The New York Times - Sports

And it left an indelible impression on the populace.

The New York Times

Her super-size persona, too, makes an indelible impression.

The New York Times

His quiet courage leaves an indelible impression on us all.

The New York Times

Like the Stracheys, the Stephens made an indelible impression on young Leonard Woolf.

The New Yorker

This encounter left an indelible impression upon Pacelli and contributed to his lifelong fear of communism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(The recurrent image of her face, with each eye very differently enlarged, makes an indelible impression).

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair this phrase with strong verbs such as "leave", "make", "create" or "stamp" to emphasize the action of the impact.

Common error

Avoid using intensifiers like "very" or "extremely" with this phrase. Since "indelible" means something that cannot be removed or washed away, it is an absolute adjective. Saying "a very indelible impression" is logically redundant.

Linguistic Context

In a sentence, "an indelible impression" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the direct object of a transitive verb. According to Ludwig, it is most commonly paired with the verb "leave". The adjective "indelible" (from the Latin indelebilis) provides the phrase with its core meaning of permanence, modifying the noun "impression".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science & History

10%

Less common in

Social Media

3%

Wiki

1%

Informal Blog Posts

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "an indelible impression" is a highly effective, grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote an impact that is permanent and impossible to erase. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use in elite journalism and formal documentation, where it elevates the tone of the writing. Whether used to describe the legacy of a historical figure or the emotional weight of a personal memory, it remains one of the most powerful tools in English for expressing lasting significance. Writers should use it to highlight truly transformative moments while avoiding redundant intensifiers like "very".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lasting impression

less intense and more common for general professional or social contexts

an indelible imprint

emphasizes a physical or metaphorical stamp left on a person or history

an unforgettable impact

shifts the focus from the mental image to the significant result of an action

a permanent mark

can be used more literally or for negative consequences

a profound effect

highlights the depth and seriousness of the change rather than its permanence

an enduring legacy

typically used for long-term historical or cultural contributions

a haunting memory

suggests an impression that is difficult to forget, often with emotional weight

an unerasable image

focuses specifically on the visual nature of the memory

a lingering influence

suggests an effect that stays over time but might be more subtle

a deep-seated effect

implies the impression has become part of someone's fundamental character

FAQs

How do I use "an indelible impression" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a lasting effect, such as: "Her kindness left "an indelible impression" on everyone she met."

What is the difference between "an indelible impression" and "a lasting impression"?

While both imply duration, "an indelible impression" is stronger, suggesting that the memory or effect is literally impossible to erase. A "a lasting impression" simply means it stays for a long time.

Is "an indelible impression" formal?

Yes, it is considered a sophisticated and formal way to describe impact. It is frequently used in literature, high-end journalism, and "academic writing".

Can "an indelible impression" be used for negative things?

Absolutely. It can describe a "traumatic experience" or a tragedy that haunts a person or a nation permanently.