personal impression

USAGE SUMMARY

"personal impression" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the opinion or feeling someone has about something based on their own experiences. For example, "My personal impression of the movie is that it was very enjoyable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Use them, instead of a personal impression, to inform your decision.

The New Yorker

EVERY visitor to Caddo Lake on the Texas-Louisiana border seems to come away with a profoundly personal impression.

The New York Times - Travel

One reason the evening left a personal impression is that it was conducted with a personal touch.

The New York Times - Arts

What is significant is the personal impression that the interviewer forms within the first minute (and sometimes less) of meeting the prospective hire.

The New Yorker

"I thought if he's met Bill de Blasio and formed a personal impression, I want to know more," Mr. Steinberg told me.

The New York Times

"My personal impression of Mr. Gorbachev is that he is a serious man seeking serious reform," the president said in 1988.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Personal impressions and political commentary are combined to compelling effect.

Independent

Berlin's essays on various topics were collected in Russian Thinkers (1978), Concepts and Categories (1978), Against the Current (1979), and Personal Impressions (1980).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Because the details of the fraud charges can be so difficult to understand, jurors' decisions may ultimately turn on their personal impressions of the indicted executives.

The New York Times

This brought together experts and high-level officials from the two countries, and while the proceedings were private, we can convey our personal impressions as co-chairmen.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Until now, both sides of the debate have expressed opinions based on personal impressions," said Dr. Metin Basoglu, the lead author of the study.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms to avoid repetition and provide nuance, such as "subjective assessment" or "individual perception".

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "personal impressions" in situations that require objective evaluation. Supplement your impressions with data and evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "personal impression" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig shows examples where it describes an individual's subjective feeling or assessment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "personal impression" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe someone's subjective feeling or opinion formed from individual experiences. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Wiki. While grammatically sound, writers should avoid relying solely on "personal impression" when objective evaluation is needed, instead supplementing with data and evidence. Alternatives like "subjective assessment" or "individual perception" can provide nuance, but understanding the context remains crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impression

Shortened form omitting "personal".

individual perception

Emphasizes how something is understood by a specific person.

own interpretation

Stresses the unique understanding by an individual.

personal feeling

Highlights the emotional aspect of the impression.

subjective assessment

Focuses on the individual's viewpoint and judgment.

private opinion

Highlights the personal nature of the belief.

personal viewpoint

Highlights the individual's perspective or opinion.

firsthand experience

Stresses direct involvement and observation.

initial reaction

Focuses on the immediate response or feeling.

gut feeling

Emphasizes intuition and instinct.

FAQs

How can I use "personal impression" in a sentence?

You can use "personal impression" to describe someone's subjective feeling or opinion about something, for example, "My "personal impression" of the book was that it was very well-written".

What's the difference between "personal impression" and "subjective opinion"?

"Personal impression" emphasizes the experiential aspect, while "subjective opinion" highlights that the view is not based on objective fact.

What can I say instead of "personal impression"?

You can use alternatives like "individual perception", "subjective assessment", or "gut feeling" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "personal impression" in formal writing?

Yes, but ensure it is clear that you are presenting a subjective viewpoint. In formal writing, back up your ""personal impression"" with supporting evidence.