first impression

USAGE SUMMARY

"first impression" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone's initial opinion or feeling about a person, place, or thing. For example, "My first impression of the beach was that it was too crowded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What's the first impression?

The New York Times

"Great first impression.

Independent

Appearance is your first impression.

Independent

My first impression wasn't great.

The New York Times

And her first impression?

The New York Times

My first impression: WOW!

The Guardian

First impression stuff.

The Guardian - Tech

Or making a good first impression.

The New York Times - Magazine

A visual always brings a first impression.

The New Yorker

Hackney made a jumbled first impression.

The New York Times - Travel

FIRST IMPRESSION How gorgeous it is.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to create a positive "first impression", focus on aspects like appearance, communication, and preparedness to leave a lasting impact.

Common error

Avoid excessive anxiety about making a "first impression"; authenticity and genuine interaction often create a more favorable and lasting impact than forced attempts at perfection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first impression" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the initial feeling or opinion formed about something or someone. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first impression" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase referring to the initial feeling or opinion formed about something or someone. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it sees frequent use across diverse contexts, especially in news, media, and general writing. While striving for a positive "first impression" is important, authenticity is key. Common errors include overthinking the interaction rather than engaging genuinely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial perception

Focuses on the act of perceiving something for the first time.

initial impact

Focuses on the immediate effect or influence something has.

initial reaction

Highlights the immediate response to something.

impression at first glance

Emphasizes the visual aspect of forming an initial opinion.

first take

Emphasizes a preliminary attempt or assessment.

early judgment

Underscores the act of forming an opinion early on.

first blush

Refers to an initial, often superficial, assessment.

preliminary assessment

Implies a more formal or structured evaluation at the beginning.

starting point

Highlights the beginning or foundation of an understanding or relationship.

opening gambit

Suggests a strategic move or starting point in a situation.

FAQs

How to use "first impression" in a sentence?

You can use "first impression" to describe the initial feeling or opinion someone has about something. For example, "My "first impression" of the city was overwhelmingly positive."

What can I say instead of "first impression"?

You can use alternatives like "initial perception", "initial reaction", or "impression at first glance" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "first impression" or "first impressions"?

"First impression" is generally used when referring to a singular initial feeling or opinion. "First impressions" (plural) is appropriate when discussing the general concept or multiple initial opinions.

Why is making a good "first impression" important?

Making a good "first impression" is important because it can significantly influence future interactions and opportunities, whether in professional or personal settings. As the saying goes, you only get one chance to make a "first impression".