initial impression

USAGE SUMMARY

"initial impression" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the first feeling or opinion you have about someone or something. For example, "My initial impression of my teacher was that she was very strict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And why was this initial impression wrong?

The New York Times

Her initial impression didn't go much deeper.

The New York Times

But the initial impression is surprise.

The New York Times - Books

That was the initial impression, but a highly provisional one.

The New York Times - Arts

It's Canada in a thong, or that's the initial impression.

The New Yorker

Mr. Breen made a strong initial impression at Motorola.

The New York Times

"He's out of my league," was Mr. Mutchnick's initial impression.

The New York Times

The metagenomic analysis confirmed van Engelsdorp's initial impression.

The New Yorker

An initial impression is that the show looks very fresh.

The New York Times

Providencia was living up to my initial impression of paradise.

The Guardian - Travel

It would have been a misleading initial impression.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "initial impressions", consider following up with how that impression changed over time, adding depth and nuance to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid treating the "initial impression" as the definitive or only impression. Make it clear that first impressions can evolve or be proven wrong with more information or experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial impression" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a preliminary assessment or feeling formed upon first encountering something, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "initial impression" is a common noun phrase used to describe the first feeling or opinion someone has about something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news media and scientific writing. While it's important for conveying preliminary judgments, remember that "initial impressions" can evolve over time. Consider using synonyms like "first glimpse" or "immediate reaction" for variety, and always acknowledge that first impressions are not always accurate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Initial reaction

Focuses on the immediate emotional response to something.

Early perception

Emphasizes the cognitive aspect of forming an impression soon after encountering something.

Immediate reaction

Highlights the spontaneous and emotional aspect of a first impression.

First glimpse

Refers specifically to the visual aspect of the first impression.

Preliminary take

Indicates a first, tentative opinion or understanding of something.

Preliminary assessment

Suggests a more formal and considered evaluation, rather than a gut feeling.

Beginning estimation

Focuses on the act of forming an initial judgment or approximation.

Snap judgment

Implies a quick, and perhaps rash, decision made upon first encountering something.

Surface reading

Suggests a superficial understanding or evaluation based on limited information.

Opening gambit

Refers to the initial move or strategy, implying a calculated effort to create a specific impression.

FAQs

How can "initial impression" be used in a sentence?

You can use "initial impression" to describe someone's first thought or feeling about something. For example, "My "initial impression" of the city was that it was very crowded".

What's a good synonym for "initial impression"?

Alternatives for "initial impression" include "first glimpse", "early perception", or "immediate reaction".

Is "initial impression" the same as "first impression"?

"Initial impression" and "first impression" are largely interchangeable and mean the same thing: the first feeling or opinion you have about something.

How important is an "initial impression"?

An "initial impression" can be influential because it often shapes subsequent interactions and perceptions. However, it's important to remember that initial impressions can be inaccurate or incomplete and may change over time.