give an impression

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "give an impression" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this expression when you are trying to convey an idea or feeling that someone has of a person or situation. For example, "His speech gave the impression that he was highly knowledgeable about the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Performance analysis results give an impression of the achieved improvements.

Fusion Engineering and Design

His images give an impression of the "great sense of camaraderie" on set.

Independent

The published research had been construed to give an impression that's not the case.

The Guardian

A secondary aim was to give an impression of the effect of the program on pain and quality of life.

Patient Education and Counseling

He didn't give an impression of being tense or anything of that sort".

The Guardian

"It should be just enough to give an impression, without clutter," she said.

The New York Times

The papers give an impression of a lack of military discrimination in how operations were conducted".

The Guardian

The quantity of personal correspondence is fairly small but helps give an impression of Peets' character and interests.

Cornell University

Most of the grays look hazy, but weak shades of green give an impression of cool gray.

The New Yorker

"Obama tries to give an impression that it is Israel which seeks negotiations and peace, not the Palestinians," he said.

The New York Times

But all of the following graphics are scaled proportionally to each other, to give an impression of relative lead levels.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "give an impression", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternatives like "create an impression" or "leave an impression" can provide subtly different meanings.

Common error

While "give an impression" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound less sophisticated. Vary your language by using more precise verbs or descriptive phrases to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give an impression" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the act of conveying a particular feeling, idea, or image to someone. This aligns with Ludwig's AI which finds the phrase correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

41%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "give an impression" is a versatile and commonly used expression that conveys how something appears or is perceived. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from formal academic writing to informal conversations. While generally acceptable, remember to consider synonyms like "create an impression" or "convey an impression" to avoid overuse and enhance clarity. The most frequent contexts are News & Media and Science, highlighting its broad utility across different domains. By understanding its nuances and considering alternative expressions, you can effectively communicate and refine your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create an impression

Focuses on the act of actively forming an impression.

convey an impression

Highlights the transmission of an idea or feeling.

leave an impression

Emphasizes the lasting effect or impact.

project an image

Implies a deliberate presentation of oneself or something else.

suggest an idea

Refers to hinting at or implying a concept.

foster a sense

Focuses on the cultivation of a feeling or understanding.

evoke a feeling

Highlights the elicitation of an emotional response.

present a picture

Emphasizes a comprehensive depiction.

offer a glimpse

Suggests providing a brief or partial view.

set the tone

Highlights establishing a particular mood or atmosphere.

FAQs

How can I use "give an impression" in a sentence?

You can use "give an impression" to describe how something seems or feels. For example, "The speaker's confidence gave an impression of expertise."

What can I say instead of "give an impression"?

You can use alternatives like "create an impression", "convey an impression", or "leave an impression" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "give an impression" or "give a impression"?

"Give an impression" is the correct and standard usage. The article "an" should be used before "impression" because it begins with a vowel sound.

How does "give an impression" differ from "make an impression"?

"Give an impression" describes the conveyed feeling or idea, while "make an impression" typically describes the act of influencing someone's opinion or memory. "Give an impression" focuses on how something appears, whereas making an impression focuses on the impact.