eager to impress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "eager to impress" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is enthusiastic about making a positive impression on others, often in social or professional contexts. Example: "During the interview, she was eager to impress the hiring manager with her skills and experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We were both eager to impress.

The New York Times - Magazine

Eager to impress her, the chef sent out 26 courses.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But the city is still eager to impress the world.

The New York Times

The site's reporters are mostly young, eager to impress and driven hard.

The New York Times - Magazine

Besides, Eric sounds more eager to impress the reader than Laura.

The New York Times - Books

Santoro, eager to impress, made audacious claims, which the F.B.I. captured on tape.

The New Yorker

I was a bit eager to impress and all the doubters were there.

The Guardian - Sport

'When he arrived he was very, very humble, highly strung and eager to impress,' says Hudson.

The Guardian - Sport

Behind the scenes the Paris police, eager to impress the Nazis, supervise grisly tortures of suspected partisans.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

As her new, eager-to-impress husband, I saw this as a great opportunity.

The New York Times - Magazine

In short, my position is presumably akin to that of a fledgling, eager-to-impress al-Qaida operative.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "eager to impress" to describe someone's enthusiastic and proactive efforts to create a positive image, especially in new or important situations. For instance, a new employee might be "eager to impress" their superiors during their first few weeks.

Common error

Avoid using "eager to impress" in contexts where sincerity or authenticity is crucial. Overusing the phrase can imply that the person's actions are insincere or solely motivated by the desire for approval, which can undermine their credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "eager to impress" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, followed by an infinitive verb. Ludwig AI indicates it describes someone's willingness or enthusiasm to make a favorable impact or create a positive perception.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sport

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "eager to impress" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone's enthusiasm to create a positive impression. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and offers numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While versatile, it's best to avoid overusing it in situations requiring utmost sincerity, as it can subtly imply insincerity. Consider alternatives such as "keen to impress" or "determined to impress" for slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keen to impress

Emphasizes enthusiasm and a strong desire to create a positive impression.

anxious to impress

Highlights a state of worry or nervousness while trying to make a good impression.

determined to impress

Focuses on resolve and a firm decision to make a favorable impact.

motivated to impress

Stresses the internal drive and incentive to create a positive image.

wanting to impress

A more straightforward expression of the desire to make a good impression.

trying to make a good impression

Describes the action of attempting to create a positive image.

seeking to impress

Indicates an active pursuit of opportunities to create a favorable impact.

aiming to impress

Highlights the goal-oriented nature of wanting to create a positive impression.

eager to please

Shifts the focus from impressing to satisfying others, though the underlying motivation is similar.

out to impress

Suggests a deliberate and intentional effort to create a strong impression.

FAQs

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

You can use "eager to impress" to describe someone who is trying hard to make a positive impression. For example: "The new intern was "eager to impress" her manager with her work ethic."

What are some alternatives to "eager to impress"?

You can use alternatives like "keen to impress", "anxious to impress", or "determined to impress" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be "eager to impress" or "confident"?

It depends on the situation. Being "eager to impress" can show enthusiasm, but being confident demonstrates competence and self-assurance. A balance of both is often ideal.

What's the difference between "eager to impress" and "trying too hard"?

"Eager to impress" suggests a positive and enthusiastic approach to making a good impression, while "trying too hard" implies an excessive or unnatural effort that can be perceived negatively. The line between the two can be subjective, but it often depends on the perceived sincerity and authenticity of the person's actions.