create an impression of

USAGE SUMMARY

"create an impression of" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to cause someone to have a particular opinion or feeling about something or someone. You can use this phrase when describing how something or someone is perceived by others, or when discussing the impact or effect that something has on others. Example: The artist's use of bold colors and striking brushstrokes creates an impression of passion and intensity in her paintings.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To the contrary, with what appears to be consistent confirmatory bias, negative evidence has been ignored or reinterpreted to create an impression of progress and impressive breakthroughs.

Annals of Behavioral Medicine

This does create an impression of undue haste.

The New York Times

"They are trying to create an impression of instability".

The New York Times

The government has renamed the national army to create an impression of unity.

The Economist

All this is designed to create an impression of openness and change.

The Economist

Mr Sarkozy prefers to create an impression of flexibility and openness to ideas.

The Economist

Well chosen, it seemed, to create an impression of resolute action while doing minimal damage.

The Economist

To dribble out these decisions, I think, can create an impression of incrementalism".

The New York Times

"Everybody, move up," he implored, trying to create an impression of critical mass.

The New Yorker

Monocular zones adjacent to depth steps can create an impression of depth in the absence of binocular disparity.

Vision Research

"Supporters of his, with this new offensive, are trying to change the dynamic and create an impression of inevitability".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "create an impression of" when you want to emphasize the active role someone or something takes in shaping a specific perception. For example, "The new marketing campaign aims to create an impression of innovation and modernity."

Common error

Avoid using "create an impression of" when you mean to say someone or something had a significant effect on someone. "Make an impression on" indicates influence or impact, while "create an impression of" describes the formation of a specific perception. For example, instead of "His speech created an impression of the audience", say "His speech made an impression on the audience".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "create an impression of" functions as a verb phrase, where "create" is the main verb and "impression of" acts as its object. It describes the action of producing or generating a specific perception or image, as evidenced by Ludwig examples across various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "create an impression of" is a versatile expression used to describe the action of generating a particular perception. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and very common, frequently appearing in News & Media and Science contexts. The phrase functions as a verb phrase, highlighting the intention to shape opinions or feelings. While generally neutral, it's important to differentiate it from "make an impression on", which focuses on impact. Related phrases include "give the feeling of" and "project an image of". In summary, "create an impression of" is a valuable tool for describing the deliberate formation of a specific perception.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give the feeling of

Focuses on the emotional or sensory experience produced.

project an image of

Emphasizes a deliberate effort to present a certain picture.

convey the idea of

Highlights the communication of a concept or notion.

evoke a sense of

Suggests a subtle or indirect creation of a particular feeling.

foster the perception of

Implies nurturing or encouraging a specific viewpoint.

build the expectation of

Focuses on creating anticipation or anticipation.

leave an impact of

Emphasizes the lasting effect produced.

broadcast the air of

Highlights the way in which a certain quality is communicated.

establish an atmosphere of

Highlights the act of shaping an environment that communicates a feeling or quality.

manufacture the semblance of

Suggests a deceptive or artificial creation of an outward appearance.

FAQs

How can I use "create an impression of" in a sentence?

Use "create an impression of" to describe the act of generating a particular perception or image. For example, "The politician's carefully chosen words aimed to "create an impression of" competence and trustworthiness."

What are some alternatives to "create an impression of"?

Depending on the context, consider alternatives like "give the feeling of", "project an image of", or "convey the idea of". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of forming a perception.

Is it better to say "create an impression of" or "make an impression on"?

The choice depends on your intended meaning. "Create an impression of" focuses on the generation of a specific image or perception, while "make an impression on" refers to having an impact or influence. They are not interchangeable.

What's the difference between "create an impression of" and "give the impression of"?

"Create an impression of" suggests a more active and deliberate effort to shape a perception. "Give the impression of" can be more passive, simply implying that something appears a certain way, even unintentionally. For example, a stage set might "give the feeling of" realism, while a politician tries to "create an impression of" honesty.