eslHQ

eslHQ (http://www.eslhq.com/forums/)
-   English Questions (http://www.eslhq.com/forums/esl-forums/english-questions/)
-   -   impressed by vs impressed with (http://www.eslhq.com/forums/esl-forums/english-questions/impressed-vs-impressed-70099/)

Beatrix Feb 1st, 2016 05:31 pm

impressed by vs impressed with
 
How do we differentiate between the two?

Thanks Susan, I know you'll give a great answer!

susan53 Feb 9th, 2016 06:24 am

Re: impressed by vs impressed with
 
It's the same answer as i gave to your question on shocked etc. Impressed is a past participle that can also be used adjectivally. And when this happens the word can always be followed by by - because of its passive implications :
His answer impressed me.
I was impressed by his answer.


But as an adjective its also part of a small group of adjectives which express a personal, evaluative reaction of pleasure or displeasure. Compare:

I was not very happy with his answer.
I wasn't really content with his answer.


So many participle adjectives which express this sort of pleasure/displeasure can also be followed by with as well as by :

I was not very impressed by/with his answer
I was not very satisfied by/with his answer.
I was not very pleased by/with his answer.
I was a bit disappointed by/with his answer.
I was thrilled by/with his answer!


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:55 am.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2