What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
impression
Example
My first impression of the new teacher was that she was strict. [impression: noun]
Example
The movie left a lasting impression on me. [impression: noun]
Example
The heavy object left an impression on the soft ground. [impression: noun]
opinion
Example
In my opinion, the book was not very interesting. [opinion: noun]
Example
I have a different opinion on the matter. [opinion: noun]
Example
She expressed her opinion on the new policy. [opinion: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Opinion is more commonly used than impression in everyday language. Opinion is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while impression is less common and refers to a more specific type of personal thought or feeling.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between impression and opinion?
While opinion can be used in both formal and informal contexts, impression is typically associated with a more informal tone and is used more frequently in social contexts.