get an impression of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrasal verb "get an impression of" is correct and usable in written English.
It could be used when you want to describe the process of forming an opinion or understanding about something or someone. For example, "I wanted to get an impression of the new restaurant, so I decided to go there for dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This should help users from other galaxies get an impression of Germany," he added.

The Guardian

But to get an impression of the nature of a person, one has to see him in motion.

The New York Times

"You get an impression of what he was like in the flesh that you just can't from a painting.

The Guardian - Arts

Lawyers, judges and politicians spent a day or two in prison to get an impression of the conditions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Talk to Pullman and you get an impression of the head of steam that builds behind a mega-budget franchise.

The Guardian - Film

I recommend reading both informational overviews and job postings to get an impression of the career in general and qualifications that hiring managers look for.

Yale University

Our aim is to better identify the key causes of power shifts, but also to get an impression of the fickleness of established orders in times of change.

Harvard University

You still get an impression of fluidity and growth from the grand central courtyard, with its glass roof and seasonal plantings.

The New York Times - Arts

In order to get an impression of the induced CO2 emissions of software, we will present a calculation method for the carbon footprint of a software product over its life cycle.

Environmental Impact Assessment Review

From the "preparation" pictures you get an impression of condensed activity of men and guns in innumerable slits cut in the flat, chalky ground.

The Guardian

Visitors can get an impression of the space in which Brancusi worked, as well as see some of the work that helped redefine modern sculpture.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get an impression of" when you want to convey a preliminary or general understanding, rather than a detailed analysis. It suggests forming an initial idea based on available information.

Common error

While "get an impression of" is widely accepted, overuse in formal contexts can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Consider using more precise alternatives like "discern", "ascertain", or "deduce" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "get an impression of" is a verb phrase acting as a predicator, indicating the action of forming an opinion or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

30%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "get an impression of" is a common and correct verb phrase used to describe the action of forming an initial understanding or opinion. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. While it is widely accepted, using more precise alternatives may enhance formal writing. Its frequency is "Very common", with usage spanning across science, news media, and academic domains. Remember to use this phrase when you want to express a preliminary understanding based on available information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

form an opinion of

Focuses more on the resulting opinion rather than the process of forming it.

gain an understanding of

Emphasizes acquiring knowledge rather than just a general feeling or sense.

develop a sense of

Highlights the gradual development of an awareness or feeling.

acquire a feeling for

Implies a more intuitive understanding, often based on experience.

form a view of

Similar to forming an opinion, but can also refer to a visual assessment.

get a feel for

More informal, suggesting an intuitive grasp of something.

pick up on

Suggests noticing subtle cues or details to form an impression.

gather insight into

Focuses on collecting specific information to gain a deeper understanding.

glean an idea about

Suggests obtaining information bit by bit, often from indirect sources.

deduce an understanding of

Involves reaching a conclusion based on reasoning and evidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "get an impression of" to describe forming an opinion or understanding about something or someone. For instance, "I wanted to "get an impression of" the company culture before accepting the job offer."

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

Alternatives include "form an opinion of", "gain an understanding of", or "develop a sense of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "get an impression of" formal or informal?

"Get an impression of" leans towards the neutral side and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but using a more precise term might be more suitable for highly formal writing.

What's the difference between "get an impression of" and "have an understanding of"?

"Get an impression of" suggests a preliminary or superficial understanding, whereas "have an understanding of" implies a more thorough and complete grasp of the subject.