"under the impression" vs "under an impression"

Question

"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

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.

Alternatives:

I thought
I believed
I assumed
I was convinced

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.

Alternatives:

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

Answer 1

under the impression

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

Answer 2

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.

"under the impression" vs "under an impression"

under the impression

under an impression

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