Impressed With or By Difference, Meaning, Use in a Sentence

Impressed by someone/something We were all impressed by her enthusiasm, and her essay impressed him. She was suitably impressed (as was desired or hoped for) with the painting. At the same time, he was greatly impressed with how well his team had played together.

What Is the Difference Between Impressed With and Impressed With?

We frequently use “impressed” to describe our admiration or amazement for someone or something. However, it might be difficult to understand the subtleties of how the prepositions “with” and “by” are used. We will examine the differences between “impressed with” and “impressed by.”

Impressed With

“impressed with” denotes a favorable reaction or respect for a person or thing based on particular traits, characteristics, or achievements. It means that one has a favorable impression of the subject’s traits, deeds, or qualities. Here are two important factors to consider when using “impressed with.”

Admiration for Qualities or Accomplishments

When you say you are “impressed with” someone, you are expressing your recognition and appreciation for the traits or achievements they possess. These traits may include knowledge, originality, skill, talent, perseverance, or any other outstanding quality that grabs your attention. In this case, “I am impressed with her intelligence and problem-solving skills.”

In these instances, admiration is focused on certain qualities or accomplishments of the people or groups. Emphasis should be placed on praising their skills and accomplishments that have made a strong impression on you.

Favorable Reaction to Something or Something Experienced

“Impressed with” can also express a favorable response to something or something experienced. It means that what you encountered pleasantly shocked, amazed, or satisfied you. For example, “She was impressed with the quality of the artwork at the exhibition.”

Here, the emphasis is on the thing itself, and your approval is based on the quality, worth, or power it exhibits. Your admiration and happiness with the entire encounter or the inherent qualities of the relevant thing are reflected in this usage.

Impressed By

“Impressed by” emphasizes the influence, impact, or effect that a person, thing, or event has on you, as opposed to “impressed with,” which emphasizes traits, attributes, or accomplishments. It suggests that someone or something has affected the person on a psychological, emotional, or intellectual level. Let’s look at two key components of the phrase “impressed by.”

Emotional Influence or Impact

When you say you are “impressed by” someone, you are implying that they have profoundly influenced you. This effect might evoke wonder, reverence, inspiration, or any other intense emotion. Think about the following instances:

“Her moving speech on social justice very moved me,” I said.

The unwavering dedication to helping others displayed by his friend touched him.

In these situations, the main points of discussion are the emotional connection or the impact of the person’s words or behavior on you. Their impact has had an impact on you, provoking feelings in you and leaving a long-lasting impression.

Recognition Of Exceptional Abilities Or Accomplishments

Similar to “impressed with,” “impressed by” can also be used to express recognition of exceptional abilities, skills, or accomplishments. However, rather than simply praising these qualities, the focus is on recognizing their extraordinary nature. For example, “She was impressed by his exceptional musical talent and virtuosity.”

In these instances, the people or groups are exceptional or have accomplished something remarkable. “Impressed by” emphasizes your understanding of their extraordinary qualities, which have left a long-lasting impression on you.

Use of “Impressed With or Impressed By” In A Sentence

It’s common to use the words “impressed with” and “impressed by” to indicate admiration, surprise, or a pleasant reaction towards someone or something. Despite their similarities, they have different usages and meanings.

Admiration for Qualities or Accomplishments of Impressed With

The phrase “impressed with” is used in sentences to express admiration for a subject’s or object’s particular qualities or accomplishments. Think about the following instances:

“Her intelligence and problem-solving abilities are impressive,” I said.
The team’s performance in the championship game “impressed him.”

The word “impressed with” in these sentences denotes admiration for the subject’s intellect and problem-solving abilities or admiration for the team’s performance in the championship game. The emphasis is on the exceptional traits or achievements that have made a profoundly positive impact.

Positive Response to an Object or Experience

Additionally, the adjective “impressed with” can be used to describe how positively we feel about a thing or an experience. Here are a few instances:

She expressed her admiration for the exhibition’s high caliber of art.

“We were impressed with the new software’s effectiveness.”

“Impressed with” refers to being pleasantly surprised or content with the thing or experience. The focus is on the excellence, worth, or efficacy exhibited, such as the caliber of the artwork on display or the effectiveness of new software.

Influence or Impact on Emotions of Impressed By

When the word “impressed by” is used in a sentence, it means that the subject or person has had a profound emotional impression. Think about the following instances:

“Her moving speech on social justice very moved me,” I said.
The unwavering dedication to helping others displayed by his friend touched him.

The phrase “impressed by” here refers to the speaker’s strong emotional response to the topic of social justice or to the friend’s commitment to charitable work. The focus is on the intense emotional reaction that the person or their behavior elicits.

Recognition of Exceptional Abilities or Accomplishments

Additionally, “impressed by” can describe extraordinary traits, abilities, or achievements. Think about the following instances:

She was astounded by his virtuosity and extraordinary musical talent.
The team’s ability to overcome obstacles and win the championship moved them.

“Impressed by” emphasizes the acknowledgment of exceptional characteristics or accomplishments in these lines. It denotes acceptance of the remarkable quality of the performer’s musical talent or the team’s capacity to overcome obstacles and succeed.

What Is the Correct Use of Prepositions?

Properly using the preposition “with” is crucial to impressing someone because it effectively communicates your objectives. It denotes the traits, deeds, or characteristics that inspire awe or a favorable reaction. In this post, we shall explore the appropriate use of “with” regarding impressing someone and offer insights into its usage. Using this preposition properly conveys your respect and makes a lasting impact.

Impressed with Someone’s Qualities

Impressing someone by their qualities is one of the main ways to utilize the preposition “with”; this is done by recognizing and praising their remarkable qualities. Think about the following instances:

“Her intelligence and problem-solving abilities are impressive,” I said.
The group’s passion and leadership moved him.

The use of the adverb “impressed with” in these lines implies admiration for the characters’ particular virtues. When you use the word “with,” you emphasize how much you value and recognize their unique qualities. It means you have a strong, favorable impression of them that inspires your adoration and respect.

Awed by Someone’s Deeds or Accomplishments

The word “with” can also show admiration for someone’s deeds or accomplishments. Think about the following instances:

His dedication to taking on social issues and doing good deeds touched her.
“Their outstanding performance in the competition left us in awe,”

The word “impressed with” emphasizes the admiration for the noteworthy deeds or accomplishments of the participants in these lines. When you use “with,” you’re emphasizing the favorable reaction their deeds or accomplishments elicited. It means that their accomplishments or efforts have had a lasting effect on you and have inspired admiration and gratitude.

Impressed With Someone’s Knowledge or Expertise

Another situation where the preposition “with” is frequently employed is when expressing appreciation for someone’s knowledge, competence, or skills. Think about the following instances:

She demonstrated a depth of astrophysics knowledge that impressed him. His culinary skills and ability to come up with unique dishes left them in awe.

The phrase “impressed with” in these lines expresses admiration for the breadth of knowledge, talent, or ability that the people in question possess. By adding the word “with,” you draw attention to their remarkable knowledge or skills being acknowledged. It means their skill or knowledge has made a profoundly favorable impression on you, inspiring awe and reverence.

Impressed With Someone’s Presentation or Performance

Additionally, the preposition “with” is frequently used to praise someone’s speech, performance, or presentation. Think about the following instances:

She was amazed by his compelling speaking abilities and intriguing presentation. “They were impressed by the band’s enthusiastic stage presence and performance.”

The phrase “impressed with” emphasizes the positive response that was sparked by the speakers’ presentation, performance, or delivery in these sentences. When you say “with,” you emphasize the value of the extraordinary traits demonstrated during the presentation or performance. It means that their performance, delivery, or on-stage persona made a profoundly good impression on you and inspired your awe and enjoyment.

What Are the Seven Types of Prepositions?

By forming links between words and communicating numerous spatial, chronological, and logical concepts, prepositions play a significant function in English. They aid in comprehending the location, trajectory, timing, and activity mode.

In

The preposition “in” denotes being inside or inside of a specific place or container. For instance:

“The book is inside the bag.” She resides in a small community. The word “in” conveys the position or location of the book within the bag and the residence’s location within a small town in these sentences.

On

The preposition “on” denotes touch with or proximity to a surface. For instance, he wrote on the whiteboard, “The cup is on the table.”
The preposition “on” in these lines connects the cup and the table’s surface, the writing action and the whiteboard.

The word “at” designates a particular point or location. As an illustration, say, “They are waiting at the bus stop.”
“The convention center is where the conference is.”
In these words, the preposition “at” designates both the conference place, the convention center, and the specific waiting area, the bus stop.

By

“By” is a preposition that denotes proximity or how something was done. For instance, “The author wrote the book.”
“She took a bus to work.”
The preposition “by” in these lines denotes the connection between the author, the act of writing, and the mode of transit.

With

The preposition “with” designates an instrument or means of accompaniment. As an illustration, “She attended the party with her friends.”
“He used a brush to paint the picture.”
The conjunction “with” in these lines establishes the connection between the subject and the company of their friends, as well as the tool and the process of painting.

From

The preposition “from” denotes a beginning or origin. As in, “He received a letter from his grandmother.”
“Platform 2 is where the train pulls away.”
The word “from” in these sentences conveys the connection between the sender and the recipient of the letter and between the departure point and the platform.

To

The preposition “to” denotes a place or motion. As an illustration, “She walked to the park.” His employer received an email from him.”
The preposition “to” in these sentences establishes the connection between the subject, the park’s location, and the email’s sender and recipient.

FAQ’s

What is the difference between “impressed with” and “impressed by”?

The main difference lies in the preposition used after “impressed.” “Impressed with” is followed by a noun or pronoun, indicating the object or thing that has caused the impression. “Impressed by” is followed by a noun or pronoun, indicating the person or source that has made the impression.

What does “impressed with” mean?

When someone is “impressed with” something, it means they have a favorable or positive opinion about it. It suggests admiration, satisfaction, or being pleased with a particular object, idea, or action.

What does “impressed by” mean?

When someone is “impressed by” someone or something, it means they are influenced or affected in a significant way. It implies being captivated, awed, or deeply moved by the qualities, abilities, or actions of a person or thing.

Can “impressed with” and “impressed by” be used interchangeably?

In most cases, “impressed with” and “impressed by” can be used interchangeably without significantly altering the meaning of the sentence. However, there can be slight nuances in emphasis or focus based on the preposition used.

How can I use “impressed with” in a sentence?

Example: “She was impressed with the quality of the artwork.” In this sentence, the person has a positive opinion about the artwork’s quality.

How can I use “impressed by” in a sentence?

Example: “He was impressed by her musical talent.” In this sentence, the person is deeply moved or influenced by the musical talent displayed by someone.