impression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the effect or influence that something has on someone, or the way something is perceived. Example: "My first impression of the new restaurant was very positive; the ambiance was inviting and the staff was friendly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He told the BBC's Andrew Marr show: "Sometimes I get the impression that people are waiting for an accident so that they can really focus [on] avoiding a bigger disaster.

The Guardian - Business

He said: "We cannot afford to give the impression that we are going to disengage.

The Guardian

Before homogenization, when there was mystery, before aggregation, when the original had value, before digital, when there was vinyl, before Made in China, when there was Mao, before stress management, when there was romance, we had the impression we were doing all right.

The New York Times

Jake Healey, a student at the University of West England, says: "Shyness depends on the situation – meeting new people, fear of them not liking me, wanting to make a good first impression".

The Guardian

Making a strong impression in third place was another new entry, the social media horror movie Unfriended.

The Guardian - Film

But, Abu Ahmed recalled, the jailers had a very different impression of Baghdadi – they saw him as a conciliatory and calming influence in an environment short on certainty, and turned to him to help resolve conflicts among the inmates.

The Guardian

My impression is that there are many people at FA headquarters, or high up at the Football League, who are horrified by what is happening and wonder like the rest of us where it is all going to end.

The Guardian - Sport

No two arrangements were ever the same and each one left guests with a lasting impression of the elegance and history of the People's House.

The Guardian

"Then Danny Alexander drops in in his capacity of secretary of state for Scotland and somewhere between the two meetings, the impression is given that they want to go further than the existing Scotland Act".

The Guardian

As to London, which I visited for the first time, the big city made an indelible impression on my mind.

The Guardian - Books

Even as strong an impression as that made by my first experience of a live first class match (this one from 1975) was corrupted by the passage of time, only to be rectified by the unarguable flat data of the web.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, specify the type of "impression" you're conveying (e.g., first impression, lasting impression) for greater precision.

Common error

Ensure that when using "impression", the subject or source of the impression is clear to avoid confusion. For example, specify "my impression" or "the impression given by the data".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impression" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a feeling, idea, or effect retained from an experience. Ludwig examples show its usage in contexts like "making a strong impression" or having "the impression that". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "impression" is a versatile noun that signifies a feeling, idea, or effect derived from an experience. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it is frequently employed in News & Media, Formal & Business settings, and less commonly in Encyclopedias and Wiki articles. For clarity, specify the subject or source of the "impression", and use alternative phrases like "perception" or "feeling" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perception

Focuses more on the process of becoming aware of something through the senses.

feeling

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of an experience or observation.

sense

Refers to a general awareness or understanding.

notion

Highlights an idea or belief about something.

view

Implies a considered opinion or judgment.

opinion

Stresses a personal judgment or belief.

effect

Highlights the result or consequence something has on someone or something.

impact

Indicates a strong or significant influence.

image

Highlights the mental picture or representation of something.

understanding

Emphasizes comprehension or grasp of a subject.

FAQs

How can I use "impression" in a sentence?

You can use "impression" to describe a feeling, idea, or effect left on someone or something. For instance, "My first impression was positive" or "The speech left a lasting impression".

What's the difference between "impression" and "perception"?

"Impression" often refers to an initial or general feeling, while "perception" involves a more conscious and detailed awareness or understanding.

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

Alternatives include "leave a mark", "have an impact", or "create a feeling depending on the context".

Is it correct to say "I am under the impression that"?

Yes, "I am under the impression that" is a correct and commonly used phrase to express a belief or understanding based on available information.