give the impression of

USAGE SUMMARY

"give the impression of" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe how something or someone appears or is perceived by others. It can also be used to describe a feeling or emotion that is conveyed through one's actions or words. Example: The new building's sleek design and modern architecture give the impression of sophistication and success. In this sentence, "give the impression of" is used to convey the idea that the building's appearance creates a perception of being sophisticated and successful.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

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

Sit forward to give the impression of confidence".

The Guardian

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

Cornell University

After their recent misfortune people give the impression of being stunned as they walk about.

The New Yorker

Mr. Spielberg suggested the inclusion of air-raid sirens to give the impression of a countdown.

The New York Times

In no way did he ever give the impression of trying to profit from that".

The New York Times

The bronzes, he said, were "meant to give the impression of power".

The New York Times - Arts

The bird's tiny wings flapping at rapid-fire speeds give the impression of midair suspension.

The New York Times

Shadings and markings around the eyes give the impression of spectacles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Like her paintings Ms. Kalman's collection is designed to give the impression of fun-loving idiosyncrasy.

The New York Times - Arts

The Bulls' defense attempts to give the impression of being in several places at once.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Choose specific nouns and adjectives after "give the impression of" to create a vivid and accurate picture in the reader's mind. For example, instead of 'give the impression of being good', try 'give the impression of quiet confidence'.

Common error

Don't use "give the impression of" to describe something that is definitively true or factual. This phrase introduces subjectivity and is better suited for conveying interpretations or feelings, not stating established realities. If something is a certain way, state it directly; if it seems a certain way, then "give the impression of" is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give the impression of" functions as a hedging device, softening claims by indicating that something appears to be a certain way without definitively stating it as fact. Ludwig shows numerous examples where this phrase introduces a subjective interpretation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "give the impression of" is a versatile and frequently used expression for conveying perceptions and subjective interpretations. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and wikis, demonstrate its reliability. When using the phrase, remember to pair it with precise nouns and adjectives to evoke the intended image. Avoid using it to describe definite facts, and consider alternatives like "appear to be" or "suggest" to fine-tune your meaning. Ultimately, "give the impression of" is your ally when you need to describe something as it seems, rather than as it definitively is.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear to be

Focuses on the outward appearance or seeming quality of something.

seem to be

Similar to 'appear to be', but can also suggest a subjective assessment.

suggest

Implies a subtle indication or hint of something.

create the effect of

Emphasizes the deliberate creation of a particular result or feeling.

convey the idea of

Highlights the communication or transmission of a specific concept.

project the image of

Indicates a conscious effort to present a particular persona or identity.

evoke the sense of

Focuses on stimulating a particular feeling or emotional response.

lead one to believe

Implies causing someone to form a particular opinion or assumption.

present as

Highlights the way something is shown or displayed.

look like

A more direct and simple way of saying something resembles something else visually.

FAQs

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

You can use "give the impression of" to describe how something or someone appears or is perceived. For example, "The building's height "gives the impression of" grandeur."

What are some alternatives to "give the impression of"?

Alternatives include "appear to be", "seem to be", or "suggest". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "gives the impression of" or "give the impression of"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "gives" for singular subjects (e.g., "He gives the impression of confidence"). Use "give" for plural subjects (e.g., "They give the impression of being tired").

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

While similar, "give the impression of" often implies a subjective interpretation, whereas "give the appearance of" focuses more on the outward look. For example, "The clouds "give the appearance of" rain" focuses on how they look, while "He "gives the impression of" being uninterested" implies a feeling or judgement.