serious impression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious impression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the strong or significant effect that something has on someone's perception or feelings. Example: "The presentation left a serious impression on the audience, highlighting the importance of the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Arts

Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

At the opposite end Jagielka and Joleon Lescott were impressive against Carlos Tevez who struggled to make a serious impression upon the game.

Independent

Lionel Messi's achieved just about everything in football bar making a serious impression on the biggest tournament of all.

The Guardian - Sport

It is at best remotely possible that anyone in this staging could make a serious impression as the ballet's sorcerer, Von Rotbart.

The New York Times - Arts

Stuart Broad took 4 for 83 for England, but he was the only bowler who was able to make a serious impression.

Independent

So it is not at all surprising to see them at the top of Group I, nor will it be if they make a serious impression in Russia.

The Guardian - Sport

The film's central character is an American expatriate played by Ryan Gosling, who made a serious impression as a getaway driver in Refn's Los Angeles-set Drive.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Ender's Game needs to make a good impression because it has a serious PR problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

Watson eventually came in at No8, suggesting the injury was not that serious – an impression reinforced as he smashed six sixes in making 49 off 22 balls before falling in freakish fashion.

The Guardian - Sport

Suffice it to say that the phalanx of statuary that guards the living and dining rooms, some of it life-size with expressions ranging from meditative to malevolent, makes a serious first impression on visitors, even those devoid of an artistic eye.

The New York Times

For really serious offences my impression is the (sentencing) guidelines are introducing a new rigour and consistency," he added.

Independent

Thanks to Northamptonshire county council blowing up its own finances, Surrey using its muscle within the Conservative party to highlight the damage being done by cuts, and areas such as Somerset facing serious difficulties, an impression has been created that English shires are suffering the most pain under austerity.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serious impression" when you want to convey that something has made a notable and important impact on someone's thoughts or feelings. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "serious impression" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "profound impact" or "significant effect" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious impression" functions as a noun phrase, where "serious" modifies the noun "impression". It typically acts as the object of a verb, describing the effect or impact something has on someone or something. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

15%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serious impression" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a significant impact or lasting effect. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability across diverse contexts. While the phrase maintains a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal communications, synonyms such as "profound impact" or "significant effect" may offer greater nuance in specific situations. Remember to avoid overusing "serious impression" to maintain the freshness and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

powerful impression

Swaps the adjective without significant meaning shift.

profound impact

Replaces "impression" with "impact", emphasizing the effect's depth.

significant effect

Uses "effect" instead of "impression", focusing on the noticeable outcome.

lasting impact

Highlights the enduring nature of the effect, adding a temporal dimension.

strong effect

Emphasizes the potency of the effect, indicating a powerful influence.

deep impact

Conveys the profound nature of the effect, similar to "profound impact".

considerable influence

Focuses on the power to affect something, changing the focus from perception to active alteration.

marked impact

Indicates that the effect is easily noticeable or distinct.

notable effect

Suggests that the effect is worthy of attention or recognition.

major impact

Indicates that the effect is large in scale or importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "serious impression" to describe a lasting or significant impact. For example, "The presentation left a "serious impression" on the audience, highlighting the importance of the topic."

What can I say instead of "serious impression"?

You can use alternatives like "profound impact", "significant effect", or "lasting impact" depending on the context.

Is "serious impression" formal or informal?

"Serious impression" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone and purpose of your writing. However, in highly formal settings, consider using alternatives like "profound impact".

How do I ensure I'm using "serious impression" correctly?

To ensure correct usage, consider the context and the specific impact you want to convey. "Serious impression" is best used when the impact is notable and important. If the impact is more subtle, consider using a different phrase.