gave the impression

USAGE SUMMARY

'gave the impression' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that someone created or communicated the idea to someone else that something was true or a certain way, even though it may not actually be true. For example: His voice was calm, but he gave the impression that he was angry.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He gave the impression of being perfect.

The Guardian

He also gave the impression that Yogi might not agree.

The New York Times

Continued growth gave the impression that all was well.

The Economist

Sometimes, she gave the impression that she enjoyed being unpredictable.

The New Yorker

"They gave the impression it was Christmas every day".

The Guardian

I sort of gave the impression I was about thirty.

The Guardian - Books

And he gave the impression of being tired and homesick.

The New York Times

The men's talk gave the impression of being more authoritative.

The Guardian - Books

Like many big men, he gave the impression of indolence.

The Guardian - Books

Perhaps the blacklists gave the impression of vigorous action against terrorist financing.

The Economist

She gave the impression that Germany would negotiate a mutual no-spy agreement with America.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gave the impression" to subtly indicate that the perceived reality might not be entirely accurate. It allows you to introduce doubt or nuance without direct contradiction.

Common error

Avoid using "gave the impression" when you want to state a fact directly. This phrase introduces a degree of uncertainty or subjectivity; if something is definitively true, use a more assertive statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gave the impression" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate that someone or something created a particular perception or feeling. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its versatility in describing various scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gave the impression" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that indicates the creation of a particular perception or feeling. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for use in news, encyclopedias, and general writing. When using this phrase, remember that it introduces a degree of subjectivity. Therefore, it's best used when conveying an inference or describing a perception rather than stating a definitive fact. Alternatives include "gave the appearance", "created the impression" and "left the impression".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gave the appearance

Focuses more on outward presentation rather than a conveyed feeling or understanding.

created the impression

Highlights the act of actively forming an impression.

left the impression

Emphasizes the lasting effect of the impression.

conveyed the idea

Shifts the focus to the communication of an idea rather than an overall impression.

suggested that

Implies a more subtle or indirect indication.

seemed to be

Focuses on subjective observation and appearance.

led one to believe

Highlights the act of influencing someone's belief.

projected an image

Implies a deliberate effort to present a certain image.

fostered the notion

Suggests nurturing and promoting a specific idea or concept.

presented as

Highlights the way something was shown or displayed.

FAQs

How can I use "gave the impression" in a sentence?

Use "gave the impression" to describe how someone or something seemed to be, even if that perception might not be entirely accurate. For example, "He spoke calmly, but he "gave the impression" of barely contained anger".

What are some alternatives to "gave the impression"?

Alternatives include "gave the appearance", "created the impression", or "left the impression". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "gave the impression" or "made the impression"?

"Gave the impression" is generally preferred because it focuses on the act of conveying a perception. "Made the impression" is also correct, but emphasizes the impact on the receiver more than the sender’s action.

What's the difference between "gave the impression" and "suggested that"?

"Gave the impression" implies a general sense or feeling that was conveyed, while "suggested that" implies a more direct or specific indication. The former is broader and less explicit than the latter.