to create the impression that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to create the impression that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how something is perceived or interpreted by others, often in contexts involving communication, art, or behavior. Example: "The advertisement was designed to create the impression that the product was of the highest quality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I don't want to create the impression that Mr. Maris is suffering.

The New York Times

Still, I don't want to create the impression that the relationship is all that precise.

The New York Times

* $25 million for ad campaign to create the impression that the spendthrift is a fiscal conservative.

The New York Times

Was he trying to create the impression that he saw combat?

The New York Times

"Fairfax borrowed shares to no economic effect simply to create the impression that it owned them," he wrote.

The New York Times

Stephen Byers, the trade and industry secretary, had managed to create the impression that Rover's troubles were all his fault.

The Economist

"Instead, defendants regularly skipped vital safety tests and created false reports to create the impression that the tests were performed".

The New York Times

"They have tried to create the impression that there was real scientific uncertainty here, but there's not".

The New York Times - Health

Both men tried to create the impression that they were offering solutions, without admitting that they had created the problem.

The New Yorker

In the meantime, both Mugabe and Tsvangirai are trying to create the impression that they are in charge.

The Guardian - Opinion

"They just want to create the impression that there is some kind of competition while there is none whatsoever".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to create the impression that" to highlight the deliberate crafting of a perception, not to simply state facts. It's useful when discussing marketing, politics, or interpersonal dynamics where appearances matter.

Common error

Avoid using "to create the impression that" when presenting straightforward facts or objective information. This phrase implies manipulation or intentional crafting of a perception, which is inappropriate in purely factual reporting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to create the impression that" functions as an infinitive phrase introducing a subordinate clause. It typically serves to express the purpose behind an action or strategy, as illustrated by Ludwig examples where actions are taken to influence perception. It is frequently used in complex sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to create the impression that" is a versatile expression used to describe intentional efforts to shape perceptions. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and frequently used, especially in contexts related to news and media, where the manipulation of appearances is often a subject of discussion. When using this phrase, ensure that your message aligns with the context and that it accurately reflects the intent behind the actions being described. Be mindful of overuse in factual contexts, as it can imply manipulation where none is intended. Alternatives like "to give the impression that" or "to convey the idea that" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to give the impression that

Replaces "create" with "give", focusing on the act of imparting an impression.

to create the appearance that

Focuses on outward appearance rather than a general impression.

to foster the impression that

Substitutes "create" with "foster", suggesting nurturing or encouraging an impression.

to produce the impression that

Replaces "create" with "produce", emphasizing the generation of an impression.

to project the notion that

Highlights the act of projecting or broadcasting a particular notion.

to convey the idea that

Shifts focus from "impression" to "idea", indicating the communication of a concept.

to construct the image that

Emphasizes the deliberate building of a specific image.

to leave the feeling that

Focuses on the emotional response or feeling generated.

to suggest that

Simplifies the phrase to a direct suggestion, removing the emphasis on impression management.

to simulate the effect that

Emphasizes the act of imitating or replicating a specific effect.

FAQs

What does "to create the impression that" mean?

The phrase "to create the impression that" means to intentionally cause someone to believe or perceive something, often when the reality may be different. It suggests an effort to manage or shape perceptions.

How can I use "to create the impression that" in a sentence?

You can use "to create the impression that" to describe actions taken to influence how something is perceived. For example, "The company launched a new advertising campaign "to create the impression that" its products are environmentally friendly."

What are some alternatives to "to create the impression that"?

Alternatives include "to give the impression that", "to foster the impression that", or "to convey the idea that" depending on the specific nuance you want to express.

Is it better to use "to create the impression that" or "to give the impression that"?

Both "to create the impression that" and "to give the impression that" are acceptable. "Create" emphasizes intentional action, while "give" can imply a more passive or unintentional conveyance of an impression. The best choice depends on the context.