capacity to impress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capacity to impress" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's ability to create a strong positive impact or leave a lasting impression on others. Example: "Her presentation had a remarkable capacity to impress the audience, leaving them eager to learn more."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The building's capacity to impress is muted by the material Ninth Symphony of the Gehry concert hall, but it's pleasant enough.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

To impress them?

Independent

You want to impress.

The Guardian

"I dress to impress.

The New York Times

He has to impress us".

The New York Times - Magazine

People want to impress him.

Independent

Eddie is dressed to impress.

Independent

Or hoping to impress somebody.

The New York Times - Magazine

Clearly it continues to impress.

The New York Times

"Dress to impress," he said.

The New York Times

He was there to impress.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "capacity to impress" when you want to emphasize the inherent capability or potential of something or someone to create a positive impact. For instance, use it when describing qualities of a product, a performance, or a person that are likely to leave a lasting impression.

Common error

Avoid using "capacity to impress" in very casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "ability to wow" or "skill to impress" are more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capacity to impress" functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object complement in a sentence. It describes the inherent ability or potential of something or someone to create a favorable or memorable impression. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in evaluating the characteristics of physical structures and human qualities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capacity to impress" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe the potential or inherent ability to create a positive impression. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While most common in news and media, it also appears in scientific and general contexts. Alternatives like "ability to impress" or "potential to impress" can be used, depending on the desired nuance. It is most appropriate in neutral to formal settings, so avoid overusing it in casual conversations. The expression's usage suggests a focus on evaluating and describing the inherent impact something may have.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ability to impress

Replaces 'capacity' with the synonym 'ability', maintaining the core meaning.

capability to impress

Replaces 'capacity' with 'capability', another synonym indicating the potential to impress.

potential to impress

Substitutes 'capacity' with 'potential', suggesting a possibility of impressing.

power to impress

Replaces 'capacity' with 'power', emphasizing the strength of influence.

aptitude to impress

Uses 'aptitude' to indicate a natural skill or talent for impressing.

strength to impress

Emphasizes the 'strength' or force behind the ability to impress.

skill to impress

Focuses on the 'skill' aspect of being able to impress others.

talent for impressing

Highlights a 'talent' that makes someone naturally able to impress.

facility to impress

Indicates an ease or effortless quality in impressing.

knack for impressing

Suggests a clever or skillful way of impressing others.

FAQs

How can I use "capacity to impress" in a sentence?

You can use "capacity to impress" to describe someone or something's ability to make a strong positive impact. For example: "The building's "capacity to impress" is muted by the material."

What are some alternatives to "capacity to impress"?

Some alternatives include "ability to impress", "potential to impress", or "power to impress", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "capacity to impress" formal or informal?

"Capacity to impress" is generally considered more formal. In informal settings, you might prefer phrases like "ability to wow" or "skill to impress".

What does it mean when something has the "capacity to impress"?

It means that something has the inherent qualities or potential to create a positive and memorable impression on others.