initial impressions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initial impressions" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to the first thoughts or opinions one has about something or someone. Example: "My initial impressions of the new employee were positive, as they seemed friendly and eager to learn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Initial impressions are encouraging.

The New York Times - Sports

Initial impressions might suggest not.

The Guardian

Initial impressions only reinforce this.

The Guardian

Such visits help sort out initial impressions.

The New York Times

The initial impressions are not encouraging.

The Guardian - Music

My initial impressions were very different.

The Guardian - Travel

First bites confirm those positive initial impressions.

The New York Times

Dining rooms are as elegant as those initial impressions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

And why was this initial impression wrong?

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "initial impressions", be specific and avoid vague language. Instead of saying "My initial impressions were good", specify what made them positive: "My initial impressions were positive, as the team was well-prepared and collaborative."

Common error

Don't rely solely on "initial impressions" when making important decisions. Recognize that first encounters can be misleading and allow for further observation and data gathering before forming conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial impressions" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the first thoughts, feelings, or opinions formed upon encountering something new. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "initial impressions" is a very common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the first thoughts and feelings about something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, especially News & Media and Science. When using "initial impressions", be specific and avoid over-reliance on first encounters. Alternatives such as "first impressions" or "early perceptions" can also be employed. Remember to avoid vagueness and base conclusions on comprehensive data.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

First impressions

Emphasizes the very first encounter or observation, often carrying a strong weight.

Early perceptions

Highlights the formative nature of these impressions, suggesting they may evolve.

Initial thoughts

Refers specifically to the first ideas or considerations that come to mind.

Preliminary assessment

Focuses on a more structured or formal evaluation conducted at the beginning.

First glance

Implies a quick, visual assessment made upon immediate observation.

Early judgments

Suggests a formation of opinion or verdict based on limited early data.

Starting point

Highlights how initial impressions act as a baseline for further evaluation.

Surface reading

Indicates a cursory, initial understanding without deeper analysis.

Basic understanding

Focuses on achieving an elementary comprehension from the earliest interactions.

Gut reaction

Points to an intuitive, emotional response derived from initial contact.

FAQs

How can I use "initial impressions" in a sentence?

You can use "initial impressions" to describe your first thoughts or feelings about something. For example: "My initial impressions of the city were that it was very vibrant and full of life."

What is a good alternative to "initial impressions"?

Alternatives include "first impressions", "early perceptions", or "preliminary assessment", depending on the context.

Are "initial impressions" always accurate?

No, "initial impressions" can be misleading. It's important to gather more information and experience before making definitive judgments.

What factors influence "initial impressions"?

"Initial impressions" can be influenced by a variety of factors, including personal biases, prior experiences, and the environment in which the first encounter occurs.