bad impression on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad impression on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the negative effect someone or something has on another person's perception or feelings. Example: "His rude behavior left a bad impression on the guests at the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The negative ads left a bad impression on many in the district.

The New York Times

"This made such a bad impression on me that I burned every letter in the flat including Ford's".

The New Yorker

Hall said he was especially worried because he missed a week and a half of the off-season program at the Jets complex, and he feared he was making a bad impression on the new regime.

The New York Times - Sports

"I have seen several U.S.B. problems that make a really bad impression on the consumer market," said Ian Chiu, a student at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver and founder of usbworkshop.com, a Web site devoted to U.S.B. "Not all U.S.B. ports are created the same".

The New York Times - Tech

They make a bad impression on hiring, promotion, and grant-reviewing committees.

Science Magazine

The $499 Surface RT left a bad impression on most people when it launched last year.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

It made a big impression on me.

The New York Times

"If we never experienced social anxiety, we'd blunder through many social encounters in ways that violate social norms, make bad impressions on others, and annoy and hurt other people," Leary explained.

Huffington Post

Despite attempts by Soviet, German and Italian advisers and soldiers to use newly devised mechanized theories, the lack of quality crews and the tanks, and the insufficient amount of tanks provided bad impressions on the usefulness of tanks on their own.

Wikipedia

Also giving your boyfriend bad impressions on you.

WikiHow

Point out how skimpy clothing can leave bad impressions on some people and how there are certain people in society who may try to use it as an excuse to fail to control their own behavior.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bad impression on", ensure the subject causing the impression is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "That left a bad impression on them", specify "His rude behavior left a "bad impression on" them".

Common error

While "bad impression on" is widely understood, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Opt for alternatives like "negative impact on" or "unfavorable perception" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad impression on" functions as a modifier describing the impact or effect on someone's perception. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and used to express the negative influence on one's opinion or feeling. The phrase is commonly found in various types of texts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

29%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bad impression on" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a negative perception formed as a result of someone's actions or behavior. As confirmed by Ludwig, the expression is common across different registers, particularly in news and general knowledge contexts. While acceptable, it's crucial to be mindful of the context and consider more formal alternatives like "negative impact" or "unfavorable perception" in professional settings. When writing, ensure clarity by explicitly stating the cause of the "bad impression on" to avoid ambiguity. While common, strive for precision and style by occasionally replacing it with alternatives to prevent repetition. The phrase is deemed appropriate for various purposes, mainly for expressing a sense of disapproval concerning formed opinions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negative impact on

Focuses on the effect being detrimental or unfavorable.

poor reflection on

Highlights how something reflects negatively on someone or something else.

reflect badly on

Suggests that something causes others to think poorly of someone or something.

unfavorable view of

Emphasizes the creation of a negative opinion or perspective.

detrimental effect on

Stresses the harmful consequences or outcome.

leave a negative mark on

Focuses on lasting negative consequences.

create a negative image of

Implies the active formation of an unfavorable perception.

have a damaging influence on

Focuses on the power to harm or negatively alter something.

give a poor showing of

Highlights the presentation and how it's perceived.

cast a shadow on

Implies a sense of doubt or negativity.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "bad impression on" to sound more formal?

For formal contexts, consider alternatives like "negative impact on", "unfavorable perception", or "poor reflection on". These options lend a more professional and refined tone compared to "bad impression on".

What's the difference between "bad impression" and "negative impact"?

"Bad impression" generally refers to the subjective feeling or opinion formed, while "negative impact" denotes a more concrete and measurable adverse effect. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing perception or consequence.

Is it correct to say "made a bad impression to" instead of "bad impression on"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "bad impression" in this context is "on". "Made a bad impression on" is the standard and grammatically sound construction.

In what situations is it best to use the phrase "bad impression on"?

The phrase "bad impression on" is suitable for describing how someone's actions, appearance, or words have created a negative or unfavorable perception in the mind of another person or group of people. It can be used in various contexts, from personal interactions to professional settings.