impassive in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impassive in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who shows no emotion or is unaffected by a situation in a specific context. Example: "Despite the chaos around her, she remained impassive in the face of adversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Perhaps it's why Scott looked so impassive in the westerns he made with Boetticher.

The New York Times

The horses stood quietly, impassive, in a tight clump, tails to the wind.

The New York Times

The dead simply popped up alive in a later shot to murder and be murdered again, impassive in either role.

The New York Times - Arts

It had a lone employee, sitting impassive in the window, trying to catch the eye of those outside.

The New Yorker

He's at his absolute best when sitting on his hands — when seemingly forcing himself to remain visually reserved, even impassive, in the face of overwhelming emotion.

The New Yorker

The horses stand impassive in their pasture, though if I opened the gate and walked in, they would drift over to share their heat.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"I think Patsy Cline was a genius," she said, impassively, in the gloom of Manitoba's.

The New Yorker

As the public gallery erupted in cheers, both men stood impassively in the dock.

The Guardian

Duch, a born-again Christian who has acknowledged his crimes, sat impassively in the court.

The Guardian

Roache sat impassively in the dock, listening to the witnesses with his hearing aid turned up.

The Guardian

Cleland sat impassively in the dock as Judge Jonathan Durham Hall told him: "The response to your rejection was chilling… Over a period of time you planned to kill her.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the nuance you want to convey. "Impassive in" often suggests a deliberate withholding of emotion, so ensure this aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "impassive in" when you simply mean someone is calm or composed. "Impassive" carries a stronger sense of emotional detachment and lack of reaction. If the person is merely displaying self-control, consider a word like "calm" or "composed" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impassive in" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, describing a state of emotional neutrality or lack of visible reaction. As Ludwig suggests, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The phrase often describes how someone appears outwardly.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "impassive in" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe a lack of emotional display or reaction within a specific context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. It's most frequently found in news and media sources and suggests a deliberate withholding of emotion or a state of detachment. When writing, ensure that the connotation of emotional neutrality aligns with your intended meaning, and consider alternatives such as "expressionless in" or "unmoved by" if a different nuance is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expressionless in

Focuses on the lack of facial expression rather than overall emotional response.

unmoved by

Emphasizes a lack of emotional reaction to something specific.

stoic in

Implies a deliberate suppression of emotion, often due to strength or resilience.

unresponsive to

Highlights a lack of reaction or engagement with something.

detached from

Suggests a lack of emotional connection or involvement.

unaffected by

Indicates that something has no impact on someone's emotions or behavior.

indifferent to

Shows a lack of interest or concern.

callous toward

Implies insensitivity and a lack of empathy.

apathetic about

Expresses a lack of enthusiasm or concern.

phlegmatic in

Indicates a slow and unemotional temperament.

FAQs

How can I use "impassive in" in a sentence?

You can use "impassive in" to describe someone who shows no emotional reaction to a particular event or situation, for example: "The defendant remained "impassive in" the face of the charges."

What's the difference between ""impassive in"" and "unmoved by"?

"Impassive in" describes a general lack of emotional expression, while "unmoved by" specifically means someone is not emotionally affected by something.

What are some alternatives to ""impassive in""?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "expressionless in", "stoic in", or "detached from".

Is it correct to say "impassive to" instead of ""impassive in""?

While "impassive" can be used with other prepositions, ""impassive in"" is a common and grammatically correct construction, particularly when describing someone's state or demeanor within a specific situation.