Impressed WITH Or Impressed BY| (10 + Examples)

Looking for ways to express being impressed? Learn how to use the word impressed effectively in various sentences and contexts.
You should use “impressed with” when talking about being impressed with something or an activity. On the other hand, you should use “impressed by” when talking about being impressed by someone.

While both phrases are mostly interchangeable, the original rule states that you’re impressed with a thing and impressed by a person. However, it ultimately comes down to the speaker’s or writer’s preference in most situations.

When Should I Use Impressed With?

Now that we’ve outlined the basic idea of using “impressed with” or “impressed by,” let’s take a closer look at impressed with specifically. Generally, you will be impressed with something rather than with a person, as we previously mentioned.

The typical object that follows “impressed with” is often intangible (something you can’t touch), though you can also be impressed with inanimate objects.

The easiest way to remember whether to use “with” after the word “impressed” is to ask yourself if the thing you’re referring to is alive. If it’s not alive (like a person or an animal), it’s usually correct to say “impressed with.” However, keep in mind that both “impressed with” and “impressed by” can often be used interchangeably, depending on your personal preference.

20 Examples Of How To Use Impressed With:

Here are some examples that will help you see how to use the phrase “impressed with” in real sentences. Learning through examples is a great way to grasp language rules more quickly, as it gives you a clearer idea of how phrases are used in context.

• I’m impressed with the school’s performance this year.
• She was impressed with the new design of the app.
• They were impressed with the presentation at the conference.
• He felt impressed with the teamwork displayed during the project.
• We were all impressed with the results of the experiment.
• I am impressed with how well you manage your time.
• The committee was impressed with the community involvement in the event.
• I’m really impressed with your dedication to the cause.
• She was impressed with the depth of the research conducted.
• He seems impressed with the technology used in the new gadgets.
• Many were impressed with the quality of the food at the restaurant.
• I’m impressed with how you handled that difficult situation.
• They were impressed with the artwork displayed in the gallery.
• The audience was impressed with the talent shown during the show.
• She felt impressed with the clarity of his explanation.
• We were all impressed with the hospitality shown by the hosts.
• I’m impressed with the innovative solutions proposed by the team.
• The students were impressed with the guest speaker’s insights.
• He was impressed with the commitment to sustainability in the project.
• I am impressed with the progress you’ve made over the past month.

In each of these examples, we refer to something intangible like a “performance,” “attitude,” or “behavior.” These are things we cannot touch, and in such cases, it is generally correct to use “with” after “impressed.”

When Should I Use Impressed By?

Now that we’ve sorted out the rules for “impressed with,” let’s move on to the other phrase, “impressed by.” As mentioned earlier, “impressed by” is generally used when referring to people or living things. You can be impressed by someone or something alive, but it’s worth noting that both “impressed by” and “impressed with” can sometimes be used in place of each other without much issue.

In fact, people often prefer “impressed by” regardless of whether they are talking about a person or an object. For instance, you could just as easily say, “I am impressed by the school’s performance,” as you could say, “I am impressed by Billy.” Both are acceptable. For the sake of this article, though, we’ll separate the two for clarity, but remember that in everyday speech, people often use them interchangeably.

15 Examples Of How To Use Impressed By:

To further clarify, here are some examples of sentences that use “impressed by” correctly. These examples show how you can be impressed by both people and things:

• I’m impressed by you.
• You’re impressed by Billy, aren’t you?
• I am impressed by her.
• He was impressed by me.
• She was impressed by the teacher.
• I am impressed by your leadership skills during the project.
• She was impressed by the speaker’s engaging presentation.
• They were impressed by the quality of the artwork at the gallery.
• He felt impressed by her dedication to her work.
• The judges were impressed by the creativity of the participants.
• I was impressed by how well he handled the challenging situation.
• The team is impressed by the innovation shown in the new product.
• Many were impressed by the performance of the actors in the play.
• I am always impressed by the depth of knowledge shown by the students.
• We were impressed by the hospitality of our hosts during the visit.

Synonyms For Impressed:

Lastly, if you find the rules around using “impressed with” or “impressed by” a bit confusing, you can always swap them out with synonyms that convey similar meanings. These words can help you avoid confusion while maintaining a similar tone.

• Influenced: We can be “influenced by” things, but we typically aren’t “influenced with” anything. This is a good replacement without worrying about preposition rules.
• Inspired: Similar to influenced, we are “inspired by” things and people, but never “inspired with.”
• Excited: Here, “by” is the only correct preposition after “excited.”
• Roused: While less common, this is still a valid replacement if you like the word.
• Dazzled: We are generally dazzled by people, making this a good alternative to “impressed by.”

Quiz: Have You Mastered The Use Of Impressed With Or Impressed By?

To test what you’ve learned, here’s a quick quiz. Keep the two phrases separate and see if you can determine the correct one for each sentence.

• I was (A. impressed with / B. impressed by) him.
• She was (A. impressed with / B. impressed by) my work ethic.
• I am (A. impressed with / B. impressed by) your experience.
• You are (A. impressed with / B. impressed by) him, aren’t you?
• Are you (A. impressed with / B. impressed by) what I’ve shown you?

Quiz Answers:

• B
• A
• A
• B
• A

FAQs

What does “impressed with” mean?

“Impressed with” means feeling admiration for something, like a skill or achievement. For example, if you say, “I’m impressed with your work,” it shows you think their work is really good. It’s about recognizing something positive about an object or activity.

When should I use “impressed by”?

You should use “impressed by” when you are talking about a person or living thing. For instance, saying, “I am impressed by her talent,” means you admire her skills. It’s used to show appreciation for someone’s qualities or actions.

Can I use “impressed with” and “impressed by” interchangeably?

Yes, in many cases, you can use “impressed with” and “impressed by” interchangeably. However, it’s best to use “impressed with” for things and “impressed by” for people. This helps you sound more natural in your speaking and writing.

Is it correct to say “impressed with a person”?

While you can say “impressed with a person,” it’s more common to say “impressed by a person.” Saying “impressed by” makes it clear you are talking about their qualities or actions. Using the right phrase helps improve your communication.

What are some synonyms for “impressed”?

Some good synonyms for “impressed” include “amazed,” “inspired,” and “influenced.” These words can help you express similar feelings of admiration. Using synonyms can also make your writing or speaking more varied.

How can I improve my use of “impressed with” and “impressed by”?

To improve your use of “impressed with” and “impressed by,” practice using both phrases in different sentences. Pay attention to how native speakers use them in conversation or writing. Over time, you will become more comfortable with both phrases!

Final Tips

In conclusion, understanding the difference between “impressed with” and “impressed by” is essential for effective communication. While both phrases express admiration, their usage varies based on whether you’re referring to things or people. By practicing these phrases in your everyday conversations and writing, you can enhance your language skills and express your thoughts more clearly. Remember, mastering these subtle differences will make your communication more natural and effective!