we were impressed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were impressed by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express admiration or appreciation for something that has been observed or experienced. Example: "After attending the presentation, we were impressed by the speaker's knowledge and passion for the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We were impressed by the quality of the sushi.

The New York Times

We were impressed by the power of her imagination, actually.

The New Yorker

We were impressed by the food-and-wine matching.

The New York Times

We were impressed by how quickly they hid themselves.

The New York Times - Arts

We were impressed by the quality of the building.

The New York Times - Travel

"We were impressed by what this individual had done for the community," Mr. Mayorkas said.

The New York Times

We were impressed by what we saw of the Portuguese depenalised system.

The Guardian

"We were impressed by the reaction from the public," said Stefano Rodota, president of the authority.

The New York Times - Tech

We were impressed by the combination of environmental sensitivities with great sailing.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"We are impressed by the social conscience of the students in the United States".

The New York Times

"We're impressed by the power of the committee and their working group," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were impressed by" to clearly and directly convey a positive assessment of something you've observed or experienced. Be specific about what aspect impressed you to provide meaningful feedback.

Common error

While versatile, "we were impressed by" can sound slightly informal in highly formal or academic writing. Consider stronger, more precise alternatives like "we found compelling evidence of" or "we noted the significance of" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were impressed by" functions as a subjective assessment, expressing a positive reaction to an observed quality or action. It indicates that something has made a favorable impact on the speaker or writer. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts, highlighting admiration for qualities, skills, or achievements. The AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were impressed by" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase for expressing admiration or positive assessment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the level of formality required and choose more precise alternatives for highly formal or academic writing. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts, making it a common expression for conveying appreciation and acknowledgment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we admired

A more concise and direct way to express admiration.

we were struck by

Highlights the impact or unexpectedness of the positive impression.

we were amazed by

Emphasizes a sense of wonder or astonishment.

we appreciated

Focuses on gratitude and recognition of value.

we were pleased with

Indicates satisfaction and contentment.

we thought highly of

Expresses a favorable opinion or judgment.

we held in high regard

Implies deep respect and esteem.

we were captivated by

Suggests being charmed or enthralled.

we found to be impressive

A more formal and descriptive alternative.

we were taken with

Indicates a strong liking or attraction.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we were impressed by" to sound more formal?

Consider alternatives like "we found compelling", "we observed with admiration", or "we acknowledge the significance of". The choice depends on the specific context and what aspect you wish to emphasize.

What are some synonyms for "we were impressed by" that convey a similar meaning?

You can use synonyms such as "we admired", "we were struck by", or "we were amazed by". The best option depends on the nuance you want to express.

Is "we were impressed by" suitable for academic writing?

Yes, but consider the level of formality required. While generally acceptable, more formal options might be preferable in some cases to emphasize objectivity and scholarly rigor. It depends on the specific context.

How does "we were impressed by" differ from "we liked"?

"We were impressed by" suggests a more objective and reasoned assessment, often based on specific qualities or achievements. "We liked" is a more general and subjective expression of enjoyment or preference.