imposing demeanor

USAGE SUMMARY

'imposing demeanor' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is serious and has an authoritative presence. For example, "The teacher had an imposing demeanor that commanded respect from her students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Red loved to call his trainees "ladies," and gave Gerald some special attention due to his less than imposing demeanor.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Vera Atkins was still an imposing figure, with a haughty demeanor and an upper-class accent, when she died in her 90s in 2000.

The New York Times - Books

A group of girls is being drilled by a woman in her 60's with imposing posture and a stern demeanor.

The New York Times - Magazine

"In Greece right now, to be unemployed means death," said Dr. Syrigos, an imposing man with a stern demeanor that grew soft when discussing the plight of cancer patients.

The New York Times

Bellamy is a devoted husband and a tormented brother as well as a dogged cop, but above all he is Gérard Depardieu, whose imposing bodily presence and disarmingly gentle demeanor suggest an oversize teddy bear cast in bronze by Rodin and outfitted with a gag nose from a novelty shop.

The New York Times

New Jets included a pair of star veteran receivers, Derrick Mason and Plaxico Burress, whose skills and demeanors were in bad decline, imposing a sullen drag on the offense.

The New Yorker

His demeanor was intimidating and his office imposing, with grand period furniture and ceremonial antiques.

The New Yorker

Like Wood and Prior, he was a big, strong right-hander with an imposing build, intimidating stuff and a flinty mound demeanor that the scouts salute as country hardball.

The New York Times

Umar is tall, and might seem imposing except for his kind smile and slightly goofy demeanor.

The Guardian

Brian cuts an imposing figure, standing well over six feet with the demeanor of your hardass phys-ed teacher who loved the beep test.

Vice

The punch is an accident, and he is quick to forgive John, whose mumbling, diffident demeanor is as disarming as his physique is imposing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character in a story, use "imposing demeanor" to quickly establish their authority or the respect they command. Pair it with specific actions or dialogue to show, not just tell, how this demeanor affects others.

Common error

Avoid using "imposing demeanor" when describing someone who is already known for their power or position. The phrase is most effective when it reveals an unexpected aspect of a person's character, or contrasts with other qualities they possess.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "imposing demeanor" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It's used to characterize someone's behavior and presence, creating a vivid image of their personality and the impression they make. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "imposing demeanor" is a descriptive term used to portray someone's commanding and authoritative presence. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability. Common in news and media, this phrase effectively communicates a sense of respect and authority. Related phrases like "commanding presence" or "authoritative manner" offer alternative ways to express similar meanings. When using "imposing demeanor", focus on showing how this characteristic influences interactions to maximize its impact. Be mindful of avoiding redundancy by not applying the term to individuals already known for their power. This ensures the phrase retains its descriptive potency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commanding presence

Focuses on the ability to naturally attract attention and respect, rather than specific behavior.

authoritative manner

Highlights the confident and decisive way someone acts and speaks.

formidable appearance

Emphasizes a visually impressive or intimidating look.

impressive bearing

Stresses a dignified and confident way of carrying oneself.

dominant air

Suggests a palpable sense of control and influence that someone exudes.

powerful personality

Focuses on the strength and influence of someone's character.

intimidating presence

Emphasizes the capacity to inspire fear or deference in others.

serious mien

Highlights a grave and thoughtful facial expression and overall appearance.

stately presence

Conveys elegance, dignity, and a sense of importance.

regal air

Suggests a majestic and dignified quality, as if belonging to royalty.

FAQs

How can I effectively use the phrase "imposing demeanor" in a sentence?

Use "imposing demeanor" to describe someone who carries themselves with a noticeable sense of authority and commands respect, such as, "The general's "imposing demeanor" silenced the room as he entered".

What's a good alternative to "imposing demeanor" if I want to convey a similar meaning?

Consider using phrases like "commanding presence", "authoritative manner", or "formidable appearance" to express a similar sense of authority and respect, depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "imposing demeanor" in formal writing?

Yes, "imposing demeanor" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing someone's character or presence in a serious or professional context. It's commonly found in news articles, biographies, and formal reports.

What kind of impression does the phrase "imposing demeanor" create?

The phrase "imposing demeanor" suggests that someone has a way of carrying themselves that commands respect, often due to their confidence, stature, or seriousness. It implies a strong and noticeable presence that can be both admirable and intimidating.