be impressed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be impressed by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when someone has done something that you find very impressive and you want to show that you were in awe by it. For example: "I was so impressed by her performance in the play that I couldn't take my eyes off the stage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They may be impressed by this".

The Guardian

You would be impressed by his transformation".

The New York Times - Sports

Gordon Brown won't be impressed by that.

The Guardian

She would be impressed by the modesty of the place.

The New Yorker

Yes, he acknowledged, some colleges might be impressed by this.

The New York Times

He'd be impressed by other mandarins' endorsement of Hunt's conduct.

The Guardian - Opinion

I refuse to be impressed by these terms.

The Guardian - Film

It is difficult not to be impressed by George Steiner.

The New York Times - Books

Would he be impressed by the enemy's tactics?

The New Yorker

Also, be prepared to be impressed by the corps de ballet.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I was impressed by it".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be impressed by" to acknowledge someone's skill, effort, or quality that has made a positive impact on you. This shows appreciation and can foster a positive relationship.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive constructions like "be impressed by" in contexts where active voice would make your writing more direct and engaging. For instance, instead of "The audience was impressed by the speaker", consider "The speaker impressed the audience".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be impressed by" functions as a verb phrase in the passive voice, indicating that someone or something is the recipient of a positive evaluation. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be impressed by" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey admiration or respect, as supported by Ludwig AI. It functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating a positive evaluation. While applicable across various contexts, it's particularly prevalent in news, media, and wiki sources. When using this phrase, it's important to consider whether the passive voice is the most effective choice for clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "admire" or "be amazed by" can provide nuanced expressions of appreciation. Always ensure that your writing is both clear and engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be captivated by

Emphasizes a sense of charm or fascination.

be amazed by

Conveys a sense of wonder and astonishment.

be in awe of

Suggests a feeling of profound respect and admiration.

be taken with

Implies a sudden and strong liking or attraction.

be struck by

Highlights a sudden or strong positive impact.

admire

Focuses on the feeling of respect and approval for someone or something.

find admirable

Highlights the quality of deserving respect and approval.

appreciate

Focuses on recognizing the value and quality of something.

think highly of

Suggests a positive opinion or evaluation.

be greatly affected by

Indicates a significant emotional or mental impact.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be impressed by" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "hold in high regard", "view with considerable respect", or "find particularly noteworthy". These alternatives convey admiration in a more elevated manner.

What's the difference between "be amazed by" and "be impressed by"?

"Be amazed by" suggests a sense of wonder and astonishment, while "be impressed by" implies admiration and respect for skill, quality or accomplishment. The former focuses on awe, the latter on appreciation.

Is it always appropriate to use "be impressed by" in professional communication?

While generally acceptable, consider the specific context. In some situations, direct praise or acknowledgment might be more effective. For example, instead of "I was impressed by your presentation", you could say "Your presentation was excellent and clearly articulated key insights".

What are some synonyms for "be impressed by" that avoid passive voice?

To avoid passive voice, you can rephrase sentences to use active verbs. For example, instead of "I was impressed by her dedication", try "Her dedication impressed me" or "I admired her dedication".