the impression is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the impression is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a perception or belief about a situation or person based on available information or observations. Example: "After reviewing the report, the impression is that the project is on track for completion by the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The impression is deliberate.

The Economist

The impression is both true and incomplete.

The New York Times

The impression is almost certainly unfair.

The Economist

The impression is of an improvisation.

The New York Times - Arts

The impression is not entirely false.

The New York Times - Arts

But the impression is not inaccurate.

The Guardian - Books

The impression is of a stability that outlasts time.

The New Yorker

Unfortunately, the impression is one of intermingled bemusement and nausea.

The Economist

At street level in daylight, the impression is quite different.

The Economist

The impression is of a bone- dry landscape.

Independent

The impression is of a higher-quality cabin.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase to indicate that your conclusion is based on observation while acknowledging it may not be the definitive truth.

Common error

Do not use "the impression is" when stating an undeniable scientific or mathematical fact. It is specifically designed for qualitative observations and perceived qualities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the impression is" serves as an introductory noun phrase followed by a linking verb. It functions to establish a subjective or qualitative claim based on available evidence. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it often acts as a pivot between a physical description and a deeper interpretation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Social Media

15%

Personal Correspondence

10%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "the impression is" is a highly effective tool for writers who need to bridge the gap between observation and interpretation. According to Ludwig, the expression is grammatically correct and widely used in high-quality journalism to describe the immediate effect of a scene, a person's behavior or a complex political situation. Whether followed by a "that" clause or an "of" phrase, it provides a sophisticated way to share insights while acknowledging the subjective nature of the observer. Ludwig AI highlights its prevalence in sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, reinforcing its status as a reliable choice for professional English communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the perception is

Shifts focus specifically to how something is being interpreted by an audience

the sense is

Suggests a more intuitive or collective feeling rather than a visual impression

the feeling is

More informal and suggests an emotional or instinctive reaction

it appears that

Uses a verbal construction to describe the external manifestation of a situation

it seems that

A softer, more cautious way to introduce an observation

the appearance is

Focuses strictly on the visual or surface-level look of things

one gets the idea that

Frames the impression from the perspective of an individual observer

the general belief is

Suggests that the impression is held by a wide group of people

the takeaway is

Emphasizes the final conclusion or lesson learned from an observation

the atmosphere is

Specific to the mood or environment of a place or event

FAQs

How do I use "the impression is" in a sentence?

You can use it to introduce an observation, for example: "After the meeting, "the impression is that" the team is ready for the launch."

What can I say instead of "the impression is"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "the perception is", "the sense is" or "it seems that".

Is "the impression is" formal?

Yes, it is considered neutral to formal and is frequently found in professional journalism and academic writing.

What is the difference between "the impression is" and "the perception is"?

While similar, "the perception is" often implies how something is being viewed by a specific group, whereas "the impression is" often describes the inherent quality projected by the object itself.