making an impression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making an impression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of creating a strong effect or influence on someone or something. Example: "Her speech was so powerful that it left everyone in the audience making an impression that would last for days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Talk about making an impression.

The Guardian - Sport

Which ones are really making an impression?

The Guardian - Travel

Still, the idea is making an impression.

The New York Times

He'll have no trouble making an impression.

The New Yorker

Its chances of making an impression were not rated highly.

The Economist

The music is youthful and intent on making an impression.

The New York Times

Already they seem to be making an impression.

The New York Times

The brand's added allure was quick in making an impression.

The Economist

These new systems have been making an impression.

The New York Times

Emnes is delighted to be making an impression.

The Guardian - Sport

The potential for making an impression is really high".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "making an impression" when you want to convey the idea of someone or something creating a notable and often positive impact. Consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of influencing or standing out.

Common error

While "making an impression" is a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "leaving a mark" or "creating an impact" to maintain reader engagement and demonstrate a wider vocabulary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making an impression" functions as a verbal phrase, often acting as part of a verb phrase to describe the action of creating a noticeable or memorable effect. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "making an impression" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that describes the act of creating a notable and often positive impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility allows it to be used across a variety of contexts, from news and media to personal interactions. While "making an impression" is very common, it's advisable to vary your language by using synonyms like "leaving a mark" or "creating an impact" to avoid sounding repetitive. Remember to consider the specific context when choosing between "making an impression" and similar phrases, as subtle differences in meaning can influence the overall message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leaving a mark

This alternative emphasizes the lasting effect or impact that someone or something has.

creating an impact

This phrase highlights the significant effect or influence that someone or something generates.

having an effect

This alternative is a more general way of saying that someone or something is influencing a situation or person.

making a splash

This phrase suggests that someone or something is attracting a lot of attention and causing excitement.

standing out

This alternative highlights the act of being noticeable and different from others.

making headway

This phrase indicates progress or advancement in a particular direction.

gaining traction

This alternative suggests that an idea or concept is becoming more popular or accepted.

striking a chord

This phrase implies that something is resonating with people and evoking an emotional response.

registering

This is a shorter and more succinct way of saying that something is being noticed or recognized.

coming across well

This alternative focuses on how someone is perceived by others.

FAQs

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

You can use "making an impression" to describe someone or something that is having a notable effect or impact. For example, "Her speech was so powerful that it left everyone in the audience "making an impression" that would last for days".

What are some alternatives to "making an impression"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "leaving a mark", "creating an impact", or "having an effect".

Is "make an impression" or "making an impression" grammatically correct?

"Make an impression" is the base form, often used in general statements or instructions, while "making an impression" is the present participle form, used to describe an ongoing action or state. Both are grammatically correct, but their use depends on the sentence's tense and structure.

What's the difference between "making an impression" and "leaving an impression"?

While both phrases are very similar, "making an impression" typically refers to the act of actively creating an effect, whereas "leaving an impression" often implies a more passive or resultant effect. The choice between them depends on whether you want to emphasize the action or the outcome.