under the impression vs under an impression

Both 'under the impression' and 'under an impression' are correct phrases in English, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Under the impression' is the more common and idiomatic expression, meaning to believe something to be true. On the other hand, 'under an impression' can also be used, but it is less common and may imply a more general sense of having a perception or idea.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 2073 views

under the impression

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to mean believing something to be true.

This phrase is used to express that someone believes something to be true, even if it is not necessarily the case.

Examples:

I was under the impression that the meeting was at 3 p.m.
She was under the impression that he had already left.
He was under the impression that the project was due next week.

Show examples from the web [+]

I was under the impression everyone was afraid of you.
I was under the impression that it was just us hanging out.
You seem to be under the impression you're going with them.
I believe he's under the impression that his sister was successful.
I was under the impression Atlantic City was aptly named.
I'm under the impression that he has someone.
I was under the impression Mr. Doyle was an integral part of your organization.
She seems to be under the impression... that we could make some arrangements.
When we began construction, I was under the impression that...
I was under the impression that Billy would be more like that guy.
Jackie was under the impression that you had already...
I was under the impression that he was your friend.
I was under the impression that you could do anything.
So I was under the impression that you only had two sons.
I was under the impression we lived in a democracy.
I was under the impression you wanted me to stop helping.
I was under the impression this is bowman's house.
We were under the impression the relationship was over.
I was under the impression our business was settled.
I was under the impression that the house had been cleared.

Alternatives:

I thought
I believed
I assumed
I was convinced

under an impression

This phrase is also correct, but less common than 'under the impression'. It can imply a more general sense of having a perception or idea.

This phrase can be used to convey a sense of having a perception or idea about something, without necessarily implying a belief in its truth.

Examples:

She was under an impression that the store was closed.
He seemed to be under an impression that I was someone else.
I was under an impression that the movie was a comedy.

Show examples from the web [+]

Marilyn was under the impression that an old friend of yours could hurt Peter.
I was under impression you were absent family of means.
I'm under the impression administration gave serious consideration...
I was under the impression everyone was afraid of you.
I was under the impression that two men had been shot.
I was under the impression that it was just us hanging out.
I'm under the impression that he has someone.
I was under the impression Mr. Doyle was an integral part of your organization.
She seems to be under the impression... that we could make some arrangements.
I was under the impression that your task was to deliver my daughter to Limoges.
When we began construction, I was under the impression that...
You seem to be under the impression you're going with them.
I was under the impression that you wanted my help.
Natalie here is under the impression I don't have any.
I was under the impression that Billy would be more like that guy.
Jackie was under the impression that you had already...
I was under the impression that he was your friend.
I was under the impression that someone was called your secretary.
We were under the impression that these terrorists were essentially stateless.
I'm under the impression administration gave serious proceeding with Colvin's initiative.

Alternatives:

I had a feeling
I had an idea
I had a sense
I had a notion

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under the impression vs under an impression