impulse

USAGE SUMMARY

'impulse' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'impulse' when referring to a sudden strong and unreflective urge or desire to do something. For example, "He was overcome with an impulse to run away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

McAleese was well drilled for the meeting, because when she greeted the Queen she managed to suppress her natural impulse to pat her on the hand.

The Guardian

This was not a conscious impulse and, had you suggested it to me, I would have denied it.

The Guardian - Books

There was an impulse towards supra-nationalism in the shape of membership in the European Union, where countries that had fought each other for centuries – notably France and Germany – agreed to cooperate in the new world of superpower blocs.

The Guardian

"What is very important, though, it seems to me, is to tell it calmly and accurately – otherwise the reaction from readers will be revulsion and fear, which blocks the human impulse to help.

The Guardian - Opinion

You've probably seen this kind of bozo impulse at work in your life.

The Guardian - Opinion

I just loved burning off the fire inside me - it's an impulse you can't help'.

The Guardian - Film

And when each of the four did talk about it, there was the sense in every case that the desire to be understood, in a sea of misunderstanding, was the impulse that led them to pursue their vocation in the first place.

The Guardian

It's the most dangerous and atrocious human impulse there is.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I was bored, restless and (of course) had to fight an impulse to run from the room.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Hill of Doors (Picador) is a companion piece to his superb The Wrecking Light (2010): it portrays human conciousness caught between animal impulse and divine aspiration, trapped in a thuggishly material world that is oblivious to higher concerns.

The Guardian - Books

Step one Decide why you're becoming a minimalist "I can't tell you how many times I went for a new car, promotion or job on impulse, never asking myself why," says Nicodemus.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "impulse" in scenarios where physical forces or momentum are involved, to convey the idea of a sudden push or thrust.

Common error

Avoid using "impulse" when you actually mean "impact". "Impulse" refers to the driving force or urge, while "impact" refers to the effect or result of that force or urge.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "impulse" is as a noun, representing a sudden desire or urge to do something. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it can also denote a physical force.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

After analyzing the term "impulse" through Ludwig, we've found it to be a versatile noun signifying both a sudden urge and a physical force. Its usage is grammatically correct and very common across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific discussions. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While "impulse" conveys spontaneity, it's essential not to confuse it with "impact", which denotes a result or effect. When aiming for semantic variations, consider alternatives like "sudden urge" or "spontaneous inclination". In summary, "impulse" is a valuable term when capturing moments of spontaneity, motivation, or physical impetus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sudden urge

Replaces the general term with a more specific emphasis on the suddenness of the desire.

spontaneous inclination

Emphasizes the unprompted and natural aspect of the desire, differing slightly in formality.

unpremeditated action

Focuses on the lack of planning behind the action, rather than the urge itself.

knee-jerk reaction

Highlights the automatic and often unthinking nature of the response.

fleeting desire

Underscores the temporary nature of the urge, adding a sense of transience.

prompting

Implies an external stimulus that triggers the feeling, shifting the focus slightly.

motivator

Highlights the source of drive or ambition.

driving force

Focuses on the power and influence behind a particular action or phenomenon, rather than the urge itself.

internal drive

Focuses on innate and intrinsic aspects.

inner voice

Replaces the idea of a simple urge with that of an internal guide that affects decision making.

FAQs

How to use "impulse" in a sentence?

You can use "impulse" to describe a sudden desire, as in "I had an impulse to buy the shoes". It can also refer to a force, such as "The impulse of the engine propelled the car forward."

What can I say instead of "impulse"?

You can use alternatives like "sudden urge", "spontaneous inclination", or "unpremeditated action" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "impulse" or "impact"?

"Impulse" refers to a sudden urge or driving force, while "impact" refers to the effect or result. Make sure to use the word that accurately reflects your intended meaning.

What's the difference between "impulse" and "motivation"?

"Impulse" suggests a sudden and often irrational urge, while "motivation" implies a more reasoned and sustained drive. "Impulse" is often shorter lived than motivation and it is often triggered by external factors.