received the impression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "received the impression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a perception or belief formed based on information or experiences. Example: "After our conversation, I received the impression that she was not interested in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Writer dropped in at both places & received the impression that the students were dressing more conservatively.

The New Yorker

Writer received the impression in Santa Fe that the Indians were almost "pampered".

The New Yorker

I received the impression of heavy masculine thighs and a blackish scab, before turning away.

The New Yorker

The newspaper said that during the first approach, the reporter had received the impression that he was at the wrong address.

The Guardian

"A few weeks ago, I received the impression that 'The Coast of Utopia' might open in Moscow next April," he said over tea and cookies one afternoon in a book-crammed back office at the theatre.

The New Yorker

Over the past weeks, with all the coverage of the most recent Supreme Court challenge to the Affordable Care Act, King v. Burwell, some people may have received the impression that Obamacare is in serious trouble.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Here perhaps Jefferson is following Ferguson (1773: 5), who argues that the study of men in an unnatural condition is like studying "the anatomy of the eye which had never received the impressions of light, or … an ear which had never felt the impulse of sounds".

SEP

As Aristotle describes the process, the sense organ receives "the form of sensible objects without the matter, just as the wax receives the impression of the signet-ring without the iron or the gold".

Encyclopedia Britannica

I hope that readers of Nora Krug's essay did not receive the impression from my quoted remarks that I found fault with The New Yorker's fact-checking system.

The New York Times

Voters may receive the impression that the film is widely believed to be worthy of Oscar consideration and be encouraged to join the herd, while the talent may intuit that such marketing is everywhere and, compounding the vanity effect, increase their own efforts.

The New Yorker

That means once Candid receives the impression from the patient, the company converts that into a 3D file that then goes off to the manufacturer.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "received the impression" to convey a tentative conclusion based on indirect evidence or subjective experience. Avoid using it when you have concrete proof or direct knowledge.

Common error

Avoid presenting an impression as an absolute fact. Qualify the statement with phrases like "it seemed that" or "it appeared that" to maintain accuracy and avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "received the impression" functions as a declarative statement, typically used to express a subjective understanding or perception based on indirect evidence. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, providing numerous examples from reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "received the impression" serves as a valuable tool for expressing subjective understandings derived from indirect evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly found across various reputable sources, primarily in news and media outlets. While not as assertive as stating a definitive conclusion, it allows for conveying a sense or perception, provided that it is presented responsibly and with appropriate context. Remember that using phrases such as "got the feeling" are useful alternatives for conveying the same idea but in a slightly different tone. Overall, "received the impression" is a versatile phrase for expressing nuanced observations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

got the feeling

Changes the verb to "get" to indicate obtaining a feeling or sense, rather than a formal impression.

formed the opinion

Replaces "impression" with "opinion", suggesting a more considered judgement.

came to believe

Indicates a process of developing a belief based on available information.

understood that

Focuses on comprehension and understanding as a result of information received.

gathered that

Highlights the act of collecting information to form an understanding.

concluded that

Emphasizes the arrival at a conclusion based on presented evidence.

perceived that

Focuses on sensory perception leading to a certain understanding.

sensed that

Implies an intuitive feeling or sense about something.

inferred that

Stresses the logical deduction process to reach an understanding.

deduced that

Highlights the act of reaching a conclusion through reasoning.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "received the impression" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "formed the opinion" or "concluded that". These options convey a more deliberate and considered judgment.

What's the difference between "received the impression" and "got the feeling"?

"Received the impression" suggests a more rational, evidence-based perception, while "got the feeling" implies a more intuitive or emotional sense. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize reason or intuition.

Is it appropriate to use "received the impression" in academic writing?

Yes, "received the impression" is suitable for academic writing when you're describing a perception formed based on your research or analysis. However, ensure you provide sufficient context and justification for your impression.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using "received the impression"?

Avoid presenting the impression as an absolute truth. Use qualifying language like "it seemed" or "it appeared" to indicate the subjective nature of the impression. Also, make sure the impression aligns logically with the evidence you're presenting.