What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dent
Example
The hailstorm left several dents on the roof of my car. [dent: noun]
Example
She accidentally dented the wall with the doorknob. [dented: past participle]
impression
Example
The artist made an impression of her hand on the clay. [impression: noun]
Example
His confident demeanor made a good impression on the interviewer. [impression: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dent is more commonly used than impression in everyday language, especially in the context of describing damage or imperfections on surfaces. However, impression is more versatile and can be used in various contexts, including social interactions, art, and memory.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dent and impression?
Both dent and impression are relatively neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
