bad impression

USAGE SUMMARY

"bad impression" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a negative initial impression of someone or something. For example, "I got a bad impression of the movie after I watched the trailer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Bad impression".

The New York Times

It is a bad impression.

The New Yorker

"What makes a bad impression?

The New Yorker

"It makes such a bad impression".

The New Yorker

It gave a bad impression of women".

The Economist

"It makes a bad impression," repeated Roberto.

The New Yorker

"That makes a really bad impression.

The New York Times

"Gives you a bad impression of yourself," he says.

The New York Times

The town's wrangling has left a bad impression.

The New York Times

Not having one gives a bad impression to prospective clients.

The Guardian

No, that would give her a bad impression of me.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impression something leaves, consider using more descriptive adjectives than just "bad". For example, "lasting impression" or "unfavorable impression".

Common error

While "bad impression" is acceptable, avoid using it repeatedly in the same piece of writing. Vary your language by incorporating alternatives like "negative image" or "poor perception" to enhance readability and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad impression" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb (e.g., "make a bad impression") or as a subject complement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase describes a negative or unfavorable initial perception. The examples found by Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, from personal interactions to business settings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bad impression" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a negative initial perception. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears across various contexts, particularly in news media and general writing. While versatile, it's advisable to vary your language with alternatives like "negative image" or "poor perception" to avoid repetition. Remember that the goal is to communicate a clear and descriptive understanding of the unfavorable perception being conveyed. The high frequency and variety of sources indicate that "bad impression" is a useful and well-understood phrase in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negative image

Focuses on the visual aspect of a negative perception.

poor perception

Emphasizes the negative way something is understood.

unfavorable view

Highlights a negative opinion or assessment.

negative effect

Shifts the focus to the adverse consequence of something.

poor light

Implies something is seen in a negative or unfavorable way.

unpleasant effect

Refers to a negative or disagreeable outcome.

sour note

Suggests something has created a negative or discordant element.

negative vibe

Conveys a feeling or atmosphere that is unwelcome or off-putting.

unfavorable light

Similar to 'poor light', emphasizing negative presentation.

poor taste

Highlights lack of judgement.

FAQs

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

You can use "bad impression" to describe a negative initial perception of something or someone. For instance, "The messy office gave visitors a "bad impression"."

What are some alternatives to "bad impression"?

Alternatives include "negative image", "poor perception", or "unfavorable view", depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to make a "bad impression"?

Yes, the phrase "bad impression" always implies a negative or undesirable initial perception. There is no positive connotation associated with it.

What causes a "bad impression"?

A "bad impression" can be caused by various factors such as poor communication, unprofessional behavior, unkempt appearance, or negative reviews. Anything that creates a negative perception can lead to a "bad impression".