likely to impress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely to impress" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that has a high probability of making a positive impact or leaving a strong impression on someone. Example: "The presentation was well-researched and visually appealing, making it likely to impress the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Little goofs like these aren't likely to impress the instructor – if you're too careless to proofread, after all, there's a good chance you didn't put much effort into your paper.

WikiHow

Still, there are very few poems to judge here, and some are fairly light (nor are the lines written by the undergraduate Nabokov likely to impress, unless you like your poetry rich in "o'er" and frosted with "moonlight dim").

The New York Times - Books

For those who do not have taxes deducted, the procedure, which is not likely to impress Mr. Forbes, goes like this: First, pick up forms from the tax inspector, since they are not available in post offices.

The New York Times

The experience isn't likely to impress weeaboos or vinyl obsessives, but cocktails like the complex Miso Dark and Stormy (shochu, miso, yuzu, Cynar) and the breezily tart Rose Spritz (umeshu rosé sake, yuzu, sparkling yuzu sake) are delicious, and it's difficult not to be charmed by the attempt to create intimacy among eighteen strangers on a weeknight.

The New Yorker

A new high-value Bond deal is likely to impress potential investors.

Independent

But this isn't likely to impress any Taliban, who can simply wait us out.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

"It's best to go on your own, because when you introduce social dynamics you're more likely to try to impress each other and buy things you shouldn't.

The Guardian - Money

People looking for console-based sexytimes (even people who like disgracefully feeble mini-games) aren't likely to be impressed with a 12 rating, while publishers (even publishers of disgracefully feeble mini-games) would probably rather not be seen to push erotica onto the kid market.

The Guardian - Tech

He is more likely to be impressed if such criticism is unanimous.

The Economist

These guys are more likely to be impressed by the old soldier John McCain than they are by the evangelist Mike Huckabee.

The Guardian

He has a shoestring organisation elsewhere, and other states are less likely to be impressed by what amounts to a cheeky insurgency.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a formal tone, use "likely to impress" to describe something with a high probability of success or positive reception.

Common error

While "likely to impress" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "will probably wow them" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely to impress" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes something or someone having a high probability of creating a favorable impression. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "likely to impress" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe something or someone with a high probability of creating a positive impression. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is widely accepted and appears frequently in various contexts, including news, media, and professional settings. While alternatives such as "apt to impress" or "expected to impress" exist, "likely to impress" remains a strong choice for conveying an expectation of favorable impact. When writing, it's important to consider the tone and audience, ensuring that the phrase aligns with the overall context. In conclusion, "likely to impress" is a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apt to impress

Replaces "likely" with "apt", suggesting a natural tendency to impress.

liable to impress

Substitutes "likely" with "liable", indicating a probability of impressing.

inclined to impress

Uses "inclined" instead of "likely", emphasizing a predisposition to impress.

expected to impress

Replaces "likely" with "expected", highlighting anticipation of a positive impact.

certain to impress

Emphasizes the sureness of the positive impact.

sure to impress

Similar to "certain to impress" but with a slightly less formal tone.

bound to impress

Suggests inevitability in creating a positive impression.

set to impress

Implies a deliberate intention to impress.

calculated to impress

Indicates a strategic effort designed to impress.

designed to impress

Highlights that something was specifically created to impress.

FAQs

How can I use "likely to impress" in a sentence?

You can use "likely to impress" to describe something that is expected to make a positive impact. For instance, "The candidate's extensive experience is "likely to impress" the hiring manager".

What are some alternatives to "likely to impress"?

You can use alternatives like "apt to impress", "liable to impress", or "expected to impress" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "likely to impress" in formal writing?

Yes, "likely to impress" is suitable for formal writing. It conveys a sense of probability and positive impact in a professional manner.

What's the difference between "likely to impress" and "eager to impress"?

"Likely to impress" describes something with a high probability of making a positive impact, whereas "eager to impress" describes someone who is very enthusiastic about making a positive impact.