give the impression

USAGE SUMMARY

"give the impression" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express an idea that appears to be true, though you cannot be certain. For example, "The broken window gave the impression that someone had entered the house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maybe I give the impression of being aloof and distant.

The New Yorker

Others give the impression that they just can't be arsed.

The Guardian - Film

The Philadelphia Flyers give the impression that he is superfluous.

The New York Times - Sports

Sit forward to give the impression of confidence".

The Guardian

I shouldn't give the impression that I am alone in the wilderness.

Harvard University

All lower-case or all upper-case letters give the impression of being spam.

Cornell University

… to give the impression that this was rapidly turning into another black slum.

University of California, Berkeley

But beyond the maroon pushpins, Mr. Graham can give the impression that he has been everywhere.

The New York Times

But her footwork on clay can still give the impression that she is in hostile territory.

The New York Times - Sports

On Saturday, Santana did not give the impression he was worried about his recent performances.

The New York Times - Sports

"We don't want to give the impression that we're a museum.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "give the impression" when you want to describe something that seems true based on available evidence, but you are not completely certain. Be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "give the impression" when you intend to state a definitive fact. This phrase is best suited for conveying uncertainty or a subjective interpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give the impression" functions as a hedging device, softening a statement by suggesting an appearance or feeling without asserting it as a definite fact. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is usable in written English, expressing something that appears to be true, though certainty is lacking.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

19%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "give the impression" is a versatile phrase used to convey a subjective assessment or feeling based on available evidence. As Ludwig AI states, it's a grammatically correct phrase that expresses an idea that appears to be true. It is most frequently used in News & Media, Academic, and Wiki contexts and offers a way to soften statements and express uncertainty. To avoid misinterpretations, use this phrase when you aim to suggest something without asserting it as a definite fact. Alternatives such as "create the perception" or "seem to indicate" can be used to vary your writing style. When using this phrase, remember that overstating the implication is a common mistake.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create the perception

Focuses on the act of shaping an understanding or belief in someone's mind.

convey the idea

Emphasizes the communication of a specific notion or concept.

suggest the notion

Highlights the act of hinting at or proposing an idea indirectly.

lead one to believe

Indicates that something causes someone to think in a certain way.

present the image

Focuses on the visual aspect of conveying an idea or feeling.

foster the idea

Describes the act of cultivating or promoting a particular thought.

leave the feeling

Emphasizes the emotional impact or sensation that something produces.

project the sense

Highlights how something outwardly communicates a certain feeling or understanding.

appear to be

Focuses on outward semblance or how something seems on the surface.

seem to indicate

Suggests that evidence points towards a particular conclusion.

FAQs

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

You can use "give the impression" to suggest something based on observation. For example, "His nervousness /s/gave+the+impression that he was hiding something".

What's the difference between "give the impression" and "give the appearance"?

"Give the impression" refers to conveying a sense or feeling, while "give the appearance" focuses more on the outward look or presentation. The former relates to subjective understanding, the latter, to visible presentation.

What are some alternatives to "give the impression"?

Alternatives include "create the perception", "convey the idea", or "seem to indicate depending" on the context.

Is it correct to say "gives the impression"?

Yes, "gives the impression" is grammatically correct. The choice between "give" and "gives" depends on the subject's number. For example, "He gives the impression of confidence".