we were under the impression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were under the impression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a belief or assumption that may not align with the current reality or information. Example: "We were under the impression that the meeting was scheduled for Thursday, not Wednesday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

"We were under the impression that the team with the most money in the portfolio wins.

The New York Times

Really, we were under the impression that a safe Senate seat was quite a cushy gig.

The New York Times

"We were under the impression we had settled the dispute," Mr. Portale said.

The New York Times

We were under the impression that we had contents insurance with our bank, but it turns out we actually didn't.

The Guardian - Money

"We were under the impression we could have a male and a female on the ballot," explained Ronald Kuriloff of Malverne.

The New York Times

We were under the impression that former Gov. Eliot Spitzer's romps with prostitutes were what placed Mr. Paterson in his current role.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

We are under the impression that success grows infinitely.

Independent

"We are under the impression that we are violating the laws.

The New Yorker

Neither should we be under the impression that this influx will be over by the end of the year.

The Guardian

"We are under the impression that C. views our ownership of the house as a deviation from the original purpose of our mission here.

The Economist

"We are under the impression that C views our ownership of the house as a deviation from the original purpose of our mission here," they said in an intercepted message.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, clearly state what led you to that impression, providing context for why the misunderstanding occurred.

Common error

Avoid using "we were under the impression" to subtly shift blame. If the misunderstanding was due to negligence or lack of communication on your part, take responsibility directly instead of hiding behind the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were under the impression" functions as a clause introducer, setting the stage for explaining a prior belief or understanding. It's used to introduce information that might be incorrect or is being clarified. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were under the impression" is a grammatically sound and commonly used way to introduce a prior belief or understanding, frequently employed in News & Media. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate to use when clarifying a misunderstanding. When writing, it's best practice to use this phrase to politely introduce a potentially outdated idea and to include the reasons behind the misunderstanding. Avoid using this phrase to subtly assign blame. Consider alternatives like "we believed" or "we assumed" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we believed

Direct substitution with a focus on belief rather than impression.

we assumed

Similar to "believed", but carries a slightly weaker connotation of certainty.

we understood

Emphasizes comprehension and interpretation.

we had thought

Past tense emphasis on a prior line of reasoning or opinion.

it was our understanding

More formal and emphasizes the 'understanding' itself.

we were led to believe

Implies external influence on the belief.

we took it as

Suggests interpreting something in a particular manner.

we gathered

Focuses on collecting information to form an impression.

we had the idea

Emphasizes a preconceived notion.

we presumed

Highlights taking something as true without proof.

FAQs

What does "we were under the impression" mean?

It means "we believed" or "we understood" something, typically in the past, which may now be incorrect or incomplete. It indicates a prior understanding that is being revised.

How to use "we were under the impression" in a sentence?

You can use it to introduce a previous belief before correcting it. For example, "We were under the impression that the deadline was next week, but it's actually tomorrow."

What can I say instead of "we were under the impression"?

You can use alternatives like "we believed", "we assumed", or "we understood" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "we were under the impression" or "we thought"?

"We were under the impression" is more formal and suggests a more considered belief than simply saying "we thought". The choice depends on the tone you want to convey.