it can be impressive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can be impressive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that has the potential to evoke admiration or awe. Example: "The way she solved the complex problem in minutes? It can be impressive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It can be impressive.

The New York Times - Magazine

It can be impressive, superficial or safe.

Vice

Joselyn says Sylvia's voice is very powerful, but because it's so overpowering, it "can be impressive or a little annoying".

Huffington Post

Sure it can be impressive to have a swanky dining room set.

WikiHow

It can be impressive to note that there is, in fact, not much debate amongst the scientific community.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Harold Rosenbaum conducts with an expert hand, and this chorus, at its best, can be impressive.

The New York Times

When your cat is frightened, she will puff up her tail, sometimes to three times its usual size, which can be impressive if it's a long-haired breed!

Huffington Post

All of the talent he manages to assemble can be impressive, but in "Gone" it seems like a trial run for a feature film version of "The A-Team".

The New York Times

It's an impressive effort in the way that musical theatre can be impressive.

Independent

Excepting the bin full of "Sex and the City" flower barrettes (surely it's not yet time for a 2000 revival?), accessories here can be impressive.

The New York Times

But it is difficult to get any sense of these performers beyond their technical abilities, which can be impressive.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it can be impressive" when you want to suggest a potential for positive impact or admiration, but avoid overusing it in formal writing where more precise language might be preferred.

Common error

Avoid using "it can be impressive" repeatedly in a single piece of writing, as it can make your prose sound monotonous. Vary your language with synonyms like "it could be remarkable" or "it might be striking" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can be impressive" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating the potential for something to evoke admiration or awe. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Examples show its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it can be impressive" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to suggest the potential for something to evoke admiration or awe. Ludwig AI confirms this. While generally neutral in tone, it is best used judiciously to avoid monotony, and alternatives like "it can be remarkable" or "it can be striking" can add variety. Authoritative sources, like The New York Times and The Guardian, demonstrate its use across various contexts, though its overall frequency is relatively rare.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has the potential to impress

Emphasizes the potential or possibility of creating a positive impression.

it is capable of being impressive

Highlights the inherent capability or ability to be impressive.

it is potentially awe-inspiring

Focuses on the potential to inspire awe or deep admiration.

it could be remarkable

Suggests a possibility of achieving a high level of distinction or noticeability.

it has the makings of something great

Implies that the subject has the necessary qualities to become exceptional.

it's likely to be striking

Indicates a high probability of being visually or aesthetically impressive.

it promises to be exceptional

Highlights the expectation of outstanding quality or performance.

it may prove to be outstanding

Expresses uncertainty while suggesting the potential for excellence.

it holds promise to be notable

Emphasizes the promise or likelihood of being worthy of attention.

it is not without its merits

Understates the positive qualities, implying that it has valuable aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "it can be impressive" in a sentence?

Use "it can be impressive" to describe something with the potential to evoke admiration or awe. For example: "The speed at which she learns new languages? "It can be impressive"."

What can I say instead of "it can be impressive"?

You can use alternatives like "it can be remarkable", "it can be striking", or "it has potential" depending on the context.

Is "it can be impressive" formal or informal?

The phrase "it can be impressive" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although in highly formal writing, more precise or sophisticated language may be preferred.

What's the difference between "it can be impressive" and "it is impressive"?

"It can be impressive" suggests a potential or possibility, while "it is impressive" states a current condition. For example, "The design can be impressive if executed correctly," versus "The design is impressive with its innovative features."