cannot fail to be impressed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot fail to be impressed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are describing something that was so impressive that it cannot be ignored. For example, "When I looked up at the towering skyscrapers, I could not fail to be impressed by the sheer size and scale of the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Visitors to Sollac cannot fail to be impressed by its scale.

The Economist

One cannot fail to be impressed by the scale and redesign of this former boatyard site into a 2,500sqm exhibition space.

The Guardian - Arts

You may not understand the jargon of the game, but you cannot fail to be impressed by the depth of numerical detail that's available.

The New York Times

Visitors to Kaduna, a town in northern Nigeria where a number of retired generals live, cannot fail to be impressed by their huge mansions, complete with private mosques and satellite dishes bigger than many poor people's houses.

The Economist

Even from across the Atlantic, he cannot fail to be impressed by what the Brownlees have achieved at such a young age.

BBC

Anyone visiting the site cannot fail to be impressed at the deep gullies and crevasses that have been gouged into the land and the overall impression is not of Wales but of the surface of the moon.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Second, who can fail to be impressed by the sheer scale of the enterprise?

The Guardian

Not even his sternest critic could fail to be impressed by his exuberance and vivacity.

The Guardian - Books

No one can fail to be impressed with Cameron's longing for a Big Society.

The Guardian - Opinion

"You can't fail to be impressed by him when you meet him.

The Guardian - Sport

A complete newcomer to this genre could not fail to be impressed by the startling vitality and pride illustrated here.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot fail to be impressed" when you want to emphasize the overwhelming and undeniable positive impact of something.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot fail to be impressed" in very casual or informal settings. Simpler phrases may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot fail to be impressed" functions as an evaluative expression, indicating a guaranteed positive reaction or admiration towards something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe something undeniably impressive.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot fail to be impressed" is a phrase used to express the undeniable and strong positive impact of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and effective for conveying guaranteed admiration. While found primarily in news and media contexts, this phrase can be adapted for formal writing to emphasize the remarkable qualities of a subject. Consider the alternatives provided to refine your expression and avoid overuse, particularly in casual settings. Keep in mind that while authoritative sources frequently use this phrase, its impact is strongest when used judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inevitably be impressed

Emphasizes the certainty of a positive reaction.

be sure to be impressed

Highlights the expectation of a favorable impact.

be undeniably impressed

Stresses the impossibility of denying a positive reaction.

find it impossible not to be impressed

Focuses on the difficulty of not feeling admiration.

be guaranteed to be impressed

Implies a high degree of confidence in creating a positive reaction.

undoubtedly be impressed

Underscores the certainty of a favorable impression.

certainly be impressed

Expresses assurance about the positive impact.

without a doubt be impressed

Conveys confidence in a positive and strong effect.

be compelled to be impressed

Highlights the sense of obligation to feel admiration.

be hard-pressed not to be impressed

Emphasizes the difficulty in avoiding a positive reaction.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot fail to be impressed" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to express that something is so remarkable that it is impossible not to have a strong, positive reaction to it. Example: "Visitors to the museum "cannot fail to be impressed" by the vast collection of artifacts".

What does "cannot fail to be impressed" mean?

It means something is so remarkable or of such high quality that it is impossible not to feel admiration or a strong positive reaction.

What can I say instead of "cannot fail to be impressed"?

You can use alternatives like "inevitably be impressed", "be sure to be impressed", or "undoubtedly be impressed" depending on the context.

Is "cannot help but be impressed" similar to "cannot fail to be impressed"?

Yes, "cannot help but be impressed" carries a similar meaning, indicating an unavoidable positive reaction, though it might suggest a slightly less overwhelming impact than "cannot fail to be impressed".