Amazed vs I am impressed
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Amazed
Top 2,000 (common)B1adjective
I am impressed
Top 2,000 (common)
| Amazed | I am impressed | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈmeɪzd/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈmeɪzd/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //aɪ əm ɪmˈprɛst//🇺🇸 //aɪ əm ɪmˈprɛst// |
| Meaning | Very surprised or impressed. | I think something is very good or amazing. |
| Example | I was amazed by the stunning performance of the dancers. | After the presentation, I am impressed by her thorough research. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | - |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | be, look, seem, absolutely, completely, just, at, by, continue to be amazed, never cease to be amazed, shocked and amazed | deeply impressed, truly impressed, greatly impressed, impressed with, impressed by |
| Antonyms | unimpressed, bored | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'amazing' – 'amazed' describes a feeling, while 'amazing' describes something that causes that feeling., Using 'amazed' without an object – remember to express what caused the amazement., Overusing in casual conversation – save for moments of genuine surprise. | Confusing with 'impressing' which means making an impression., Using it inappropriately in sarcastic tones., Not using the correct verb form, e.g., 'I am impressive' instead of 'I am impressed'. |
| Usage notes | Use 'amazed' to describe feelings of wonder or admiration. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Avoid using it in casual or playful settings where lighter expressions like 'wow' might be better. | Use when expressing admiration or respect. It's appropriate in most contexts, such as formal or informal situations. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Amazed vs I am impressed
What's the difference between Amazed and I am impressed?
Amazed: Very surprised or impressed. I am impressed: I think something is very good or amazing.
Can you show an example of each?
Amazed: I was amazed by the stunning performance of the dancers. I am impressed: After the presentation, I am impressed by her thorough research.
Can I use Amazed and I am impressed interchangeably?
Not always. Amazed and I am impressed are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.