leave an impression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leave an impression" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when speaking about making a lasting mark on someone's heart, mind, or soul, or when talking about the launch of a product that leaves a positive or memorable impact. For example, "The artist's moving performance left an impression that lasted with the audience long after the show ended."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The encounter continues to leave an impression.

The New York Times

"She didn't leave an impression," he added.

The New York Times

But it did not fail to leave an impression".

The New York Times

"She really didn't have time to leave an impression".

The New York Times

Mr. Spano, they say, simply does not leave an impression.

The New York Times

The syllables leave an impression that persists in the present.

The New Yorker

Humans leave an impression on our four-legged friends — could it be love?

Princeton University

"You try to leave an impression on them, as a team and as an individual, absolutely.

The New York Times - Sports

Moments later, a honeylike and melonlike aroma and flavor leave an impression of sweetness.

The New York Times

You always leave an impression, whether it's the one you want to leave or not.

The New York Times

You don't need to chuck onions in the audience's eyes to leave an impression.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "leave an impression", focus on authenticity and genuine engagement. Connect with your audience on a personal level to create a more meaningful and memorable experience.

Common error

Avoid trying too hard to "leave an impression". Authenticity is key; forced attempts often come across as insincere and can have the opposite effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leave an impression" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of creating a lasting effect on someone or something. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts, emphasizing its active role in conveying impact or influence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leave an impression" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that means to create a lasting or memorable effect. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It appears most often in news and media contexts, but also holds relevance in academia and other fields. When using this phrase, focus on authenticity to create a genuine impact, and avoid overdoing it. Consider alternatives like "make a mark" or "have a lasting impact" to add nuance to your writing. Understanding these nuances will help you communicate more effectively and ensure your message resonates.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make an enduring impression

Stresses the continuous nature of the impression.

make a memorable impact

Combines the ideas of making an impact and being memorable.

make a mark

Focuses on creating a noticeable effect or achievement.

have a lasting impact

Highlights the enduring effect or influence.

create a lasting memory

Focuses on creating a memory that endures over time.

create a memory

Emphasizes the generation of a memorable experience.

etch in one's memory

Implies a permanent and vivid memory.

have a significant effect

Stresses the importance or magnitude of the impact.

exert influence

Highlights the power to affect someone or something.

make a splash

Suggests a sudden and noticeable impact.

FAQs

How can I use "leave an impression" in a sentence?

You can use "leave an impression" to describe making a lasting impact or creating a memorable effect. For instance, "The speaker's powerful words left an impression on the audience".

What can I say instead of "leave an impression"?

You can use alternatives like "make a mark", "have a lasting impact", or "create a memory" depending on the context.

Is it better to "leave an impression" or "make an impression"?

Both "leave an impression" and "make an impression" are grammatically correct and commonly used. They are largely interchangeable, though "make an impression" might slightly emphasize the active effort to impress.

What's the best way to "leave an impression" in an interview?

To "leave an impression" in an interview, be prepared, articulate your skills clearly, and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for the role. Asking thoughtful questions also helps.