an old impression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an old impression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a previous perception or belief that has lingered over time. Example: "Despite the new evidence presented, she still held on to an old impression of the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Valentino's retrospective collection, as one said, left nothing but an old impression.

The New York Times - Style

Another hundred-odd drawings, of every description, await publication, almost confirming an old impression that there would always be a fresh Steig in this new issue or the one next week.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The old impression that a teacher and supervisor should be a medical specialist is not valid anymore.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Jason Arnott, the Devils center who skates with Elias and Sykora, was asked about the old impression that Czech players lack a taste for Canadian-style combat.

The New York Times - Sports

"The old impression was that Chen was anti-business," said Paul Hsu, a corporate lawyer.

The New York Times

Titania had been one of her earliest roles, and, again, her sweetness of manner made its old impression.

The New York Times - Arts

In 1931, the Oradea-based cultural magazine Cele Trei Crișuri published his memoir, titled Vechi impresii de spectator ("Old Impressions of a Spectator").

Wikipedia

Those objects and more (some 30,000, according to the museum's director, Stuart A. Chase, only a fraction of which are on display) are still here, and old impressions were revived during a recent walk through one gallery under construction.

The New York Times - Arts

The impressions of a new Mr. Brown could now be replaced by less flattering old impressions, Mr. Snow said.

The New York Times

I am grateful for the old impressions and the new.

The New York Times

We were each defensive much of the time, and stuck on old impressions formed decades earlier.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an old impression" when you want to emphasize a belief or perception that was formed in the past and may still influence current understanding or actions. Be mindful of whether the impression is still accurate or has been superseded by new information.

Common error

Avoid using "an old impression" when you intend to convey that something made a significant, enduring impact. "An old impression" suggests something outdated or potentially inaccurate, whereas a "lasting impression" indicates a memorable and impactful effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an old impression" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "old" modifies "impression". It describes a previously held perception or belief. Ludwig indicates this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an old impression" refers to a perception or belief from the past, as indicated by Ludwig. While grammatically sound and deemed correct by Ludwig AI, it's not a frequently used expression. It typically appears in news articles and can also be found in scientific and wiki sources. It's crucial to differentiate it from "a lasting impression", which conveys a significant and enduring impact, unlike the potentially outdated nature of "an old impression".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a previous notion

Emphasizes a pre-existing idea or belief.

a former perception

Focuses on how something was understood in the past.

a long-held view

Highlights that the perspective has been maintained for an extended period.

an established belief

Suggests that the conviction is well-settled and accepted.

an earlier conviction

Emphasizes a prior firm belief or opinion.

a lingering sentiment

Highlights the remaining emotional impact.

an initial understanding

Focuses on the first grasp or interpretation of something.

a remembered feeling

Highlights a sensation recalled from the past.

a retrospective assessment

Focuses on judging the past from a present-day perspective.

an outmoded idea

Stresses that a concept is no longer current or relevant.

FAQs

What does "an old impression" mean?

"An old impression" refers to a perception, belief, or feeling that was formed in the past and may or may not still be accurate or relevant. It suggests something that has lingered over time.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "an old impression"?

Use "an old impression" when discussing past perceptions that influence present understanding, or when contrasting a past belief with current knowledge. For example, "Despite the new evidence, she still held on to "an old impression" of the suspect".

What are some alternatives to "an old impression"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "a previous notion", "a long-held view", "a former perception", or "an outdated belief". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "an old impression" the same as "a lasting impression"?

No, "an old impression" and "a lasting impression" have different meanings. "An old impression" refers to a perception from the past, while a lasting impression signifies something impactful and memorable.