building an impression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "building an impression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of creating a perception or understanding of someone or something, often in contexts like marketing, personal branding, or social interactions. Example: "In the first few seconds of meeting someone, you are already building an impression that can influence their perception of you."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

With Christmas fairs drawing close, De Souza had some steps for building an impression.

The Guardian

Specialising in digital storytelling (from ebooks to social media to games), Silverstring's work includes the interactive short story Azrael's Stop, which is told through tweet-sized updates, steadily building an impression of its single location through snippets of its daily activity.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

These were considered alongside a general impression of the patient derived from building a picture of the illness course, using intuition and familiarity with the patient.

BMJ Open

"It's all about building a lasting impression".

The New York Times

Start building a great second impression.

WikiHow

Building a good first impression can really help you become well respected and well known.

WikiHow

Few impressions justify building an entire show around, but Anthony's is the exception.

Vice

Sometimes we waste too much time and we diminish the significance of events in our lives taking pictures to load onto Facebook or Instagram, posing for perfect shots at the risk of building a less-than-authentic impression of a fleeting moment.

Huffington Post

After spending last year engaged in a "tug-of-war" with Android over mobile ad impressions, iOS has been building a big lead in the past few months, according to a new report from mobile marketing company Velti.

TechCrunch

Clinicians' general impressions of the patient were developed from building up a picture of the illness course, their intuition and/or familiarity with the patient.

BMJ Open

The first building to make an impression on my father was the William Butterworth chapel at Rugby, where he was sent to school.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "building an impression", ensure your actions align with the desired image. Consistency is key to making it authentic and believable.

Common error

Avoid portraying an image that contradicts your actual behavior. This creates confusion and undermines the effort to "building an impression".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "building an impression" functions as a verb phrase acting as a gerund, often used to describe the process of creating a specific perception or understanding. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples show it in contexts of marketing and storytelling.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "building an impression" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the active process of creating a perception or understanding of something or someone. Ludwig highlights its correctness and usability in various contexts, including marketing, storytelling, and personal branding. While the phrase itself is relatively rare, it's versatile enough for use in both neutral and professional registers. Related phrases like "creating a perception" and "shaping an image" can offer alternative ways to express similar ideas. It's important to ensure authenticity when "building an impression", as a contrived image can be detrimental. Therefore, the phrase is best used when the portrayal is aligned with genuine qualities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

creating a perception

Focuses on the act of creating a mental image or understanding.

shaping an image

Emphasizes the active role in forming a specific image.

making an impact

Highlights the effect or influence created.

projecting an aura

Suggests a subtle but pervasive quality being conveyed.

cultivating an impression

Implies a deliberate and careful effort to create a specific impression.

establishing a reputation

Focuses on long-term perception and credibility.

fostering a belief

Highlights the development of a particular belief or conviction.

developing a sense

Emphasizes gradual development of an understanding.

forging an identity

Focuses on creating a unique and recognizable identity.

leaving a mark

Implies a lasting and memorable effect.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "building an impression" in professional writing?

In professional contexts, use "building an impression" when describing strategies for branding, marketing, or public relations. For example, "The company is focusing on "building an impression" of innovation and reliability through its latest marketing campaign".

What's a more formal alternative to "building an impression"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "cultivating a perception" or "establishing a reputation". These alternatives emphasize a more deliberate and long-term approach to "building an impression".

How does "building an impression" differ from "making an impression"?

"Building an impression" suggests a gradual and continuous process, whereas "making an impression" implies a more immediate and singular impact. "Building an impression" is about the sustained effort to shape perception over time.

Is it better to focus on "building an impression" or showcasing authenticity?

Authenticity is crucial. While "building an impression" involves shaping perception, it should align with genuine qualities. A contrived image, lacking authenticity, will likely be perceived as insincere and damage credibility. Therefore, "building an impression" should complement, not replace, genuine qualities.