impressions

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "impressions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe your own feelings or opinions about something, or the feelings or opinions of other people. For example: "My first impressions of the city were that it was quite hectic, but I soon grew to love it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There has been no shortage of surprises, from continually having my first impressions overturned, to finding myself in a succession of unexpected situations, from a tribal wedding on the islands of San Blas to a Chavista meeting in Caracas.

The Guardian - Travel

He was funny and always doing impressions and accents – I'd hang out with Paddy all day and never hear his real voice.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It may make us uncomfortable that superficial impressions are so fundamental in forming opinion, but such impressions are deep in our subconscious.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What are your impressions of Sweden, the country and the people?

The Guardian

The bodily composition of the horse, like most of the early equine depictions in the rock art, is heavily resonant of the shape of a kangaroo – evidence, perhaps, that the most common large mammal in Bininj experience initially sublimated their impressions of the foreign.

The Guardian

Traffic to the website leapt from an average of about 700,000 page impressions a day before the September 11 attacks, to 1.2m page views a day in the immediate aftermath.

The Guardian

The impressions they leave are unforgettable and, speaking from personal experience, we truly do make friends for life.

The Guardian

Interviewed on his return to Paris with regard to his impressions of London, M Zola said: "I must thank my friends in England for their greeting.

The Guardian - Books

(I once saw him tell of an encounter between a beagle and a squirrel, doing impressions of both. His emotional wisdom extends to animals and plants and inanimate objects. He's the best standup comedian you've never seen perform).

The Guardian - Books

Martin Boon of ICM Unlimited, who pioneered this "wisdom of crowds" approach, explained: "Most people will have an inkling about how friends and relatives will vote, and in aggregate these impressions may count for more than individuals' sometimes less-than-clear sense of their own intentions.

The Guardian

The Bridge is quite capable of standing on its own and generating its own ideas, impressions and points of interest.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing initial observations, use "first impressions" to clearly convey that these are preliminary judgments and may evolve over time. This helps manage expectations and acknowledges the potential for changing views.

Common error

Avoid using "expressions" when you mean "impressions". "Expressions" refer to outward displays of emotion, while "impressions" relate to internal feelings or opinions formed after experiencing something.

Linguistic Context

The noun "impressions" primarily functions to denote the subjective feelings, opinions, or perceptions formed after experiencing something. It is commonly used to describe how something affected someone's thoughts or emotions. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showcasing a wide range of examples from various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Books

13%

Lifestyle

11%

Less common in

The Economist

7%

Opinion

4%

Travel

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the noun "impressions" is a very common and versatile term used to describe subjective feelings, opinions, or perceptions. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and suitable for a wide range of contexts, from formal news reports in The Guardian and The Economist to more informal discussions in books and lifestyle articles. While alternatives like "perceptions" or "opinions" may sometimes be appropriate, it's important to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey. Using "first impressions" is especially helpful when describing initial judgments, and it's crucial to avoid confusing "impressions" with the related but distinct term "expressions". Overall, mastering the use of "impressions" enhances clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perceptions

Focuses on the way something is understood or regarded, emphasizing the subjective interpretation.

opinions

Highlights a judgment or belief formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.

views

Refers to a particular way of considering or regarding something; broader than a simple opinion.

feelings

Emphasizes the emotional response or sensation evoked by something, rather than intellectual judgment.

reactions

Highlights the response to a stimulus or event, focusing on the outward manifestation of an internal state.

sensations

Focuses on the physical or emotional experiences, often immediate and direct.

effects

Refers to the result or consequence of something, emphasizing the impact rather than the internal experience.

impacts

Similar to "effects" but often implies a stronger or more significant influence.

assessments

Emphasizes a formal or deliberate evaluation of something, often based on specific criteria.

interpretations

Highlights the act of explaining or understanding something in a particular way.

FAQs

How can I use "impressions" in a sentence?

You can use "impressions" to describe the effect something has on you, as in "My first impressions of the city were positive", or to talk about how something is perceived, such as "The media's impressions of the event were varied".

What's a good synonym for "impressions"?

Depending on the context, you could use "perceptions", "opinions", or "feelings" as alternatives to "impressions".

Is it correct to say "make an impression"?

Yes, the phrase "make an impression" is a common and grammatically correct idiom. It means to have a noticeable effect on someone's thoughts or feelings.

What's the difference between "impressions" and "interpretations"?

"Impressions" refer to the initial feelings or ideas you get about something, while "interpretations" involve a more thorough analysis and understanding. "Impressions" are often immediate and less reasoned than "interpretations".