a powerful effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a powerful effect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a significant or strong impact that something has on a person, situation, or outcome. Example: "The documentary had a powerful effect on the audience, prompting many to take action on climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Repetition can have a powerful effect.

The Guardian - Sport

"It has a powerful effect on me".

The New York Times

It exerts a powerful effect on the audience.

The New York Times - Arts

Reputation has a powerful effect on how people play games.

The New York Times - Science

Sexual coercion has a powerful effect on future adult sexuality.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She had a powerful effect on everyone she met.

The New York Times

His absence had a powerful effect on her character.

The Guardian - Books

Merger news can have a powerful effect on the market.

The New York Times

Censors, slowdowns, arrests — it has a powerful effect.

The New Yorker

Censors, slowdowns, arrests it has a powerful effect.

The New Yorker

Attacking civilian targets has a powerful effect on the population.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, specify the recipient or target of the effect. For example, instead of saying "It had a powerful effect", clarify by stating "It had a powerful effect on the community".

Common error

Avoid using "a powerful effect" when the impact is minimal or unsubstantiated. Overusing the phrase can dilute its meaning and credibility. Instead, choose more appropriate descriptors like "slight effect" or "minor impact" if the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a powerful effect" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a significant consequence or outcome resulting from a specific action or situation. Ludwig confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

23%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

12%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a powerful effect" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe a significant impact or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and finds common application in diverse contexts, predominantly within News & Media and Academia. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the context genuinely reflects a substantial impact to avoid overstatement. Consider alternatives such as "a significant impact" or "a profound influence" to maintain precision and clarity in your writing. Remember to be mindful of the register and audience to ensure the phrase aligns with the overall tone and purpose of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant impact

Changes the word "effect" to "impact", implying a strong influence or result.

a strong influence

Replaces "effect" with "influence", suggesting the capacity to have an impact on someone or something.

a profound impact

Substitutes "powerful" with "profound", indicating a deep and significant effect.

a major effect

Uses "major" instead of "powerful" to highlight the significance of the effect.

a marked impact

Employs "marked" to emphasize that the effect is noticeable and distinct.

a substantial influence

Combines "substantial" with "influence", highlighting the considerable effect on something.

a considerable impact

Uses "considerable" instead of "powerful" to suggest a noteworthy impact.

a telling effect

Replaces "powerful" with "telling", implying that the effect is revealing or significant.

a great influence

Substitutes "powerful" with "great", underscoring the magnitude of the influence.

a weighty impact

Employs "weighty" to indicate that the impact is important and consequential.

FAQs

How can I use "a powerful effect" in a sentence?

You can use "a powerful effect" to describe something that has a strong impact or influence. For example, "The speaker's words had "a powerful effect" on the audience".

What can I say instead of "a powerful effect"?

Alternatives to "a powerful effect" include "a significant impact", "a strong influence", or "a profound impact", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a powerful effect" or "a strong effect"?

Both "a powerful effect" and "a strong effect" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice depends on the desired nuance and emphasis in your writing.

Can "a powerful effect" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "a powerful effect" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing significant impacts or influences. It's commonly used in academic, business, and journalistic contexts.