had a major effect on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had a major effect on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the significant influence or impact that one thing has had on another. Example: "The new policy had a major effect on employee productivity, leading to increased efficiency across the board."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Varying the discount rate had a major effect on the cost-effectiveness results.

Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation

The perspective employed in the studies had a major effect on the cost-effectiveness ratios.

ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research

Yet another guideline, and one that had a major effect on the merchandising campaigns, was, "Take people into Harry's world, don't put Harry into our world".

The New York Times

"This one simple behavior had a major effect on weight," Dr. Ludwig said.

The New York Times

"That had a major effect on me, emotionally," Stevens said.

The New Yorker

World War I had a major effect on Belgian visual arts.

Cornell University

Over the same period, increased congestion has also had a major effect on bus routes.

The Guardian

Stocking rate had a major effect on pasture and animal performance.

Journal of Dairy Science

The new teaching concept has had a major effect on the exam results.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

This indicates that soil temperature had a major effect on CO2 C flux concentration.

Forest Ecology and Management

The global financial crisis also had a major effect on the supply side, the paper said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "had a major effect on", ensure that the subject having the effect is clearly identified, and the nature of the effect is specific and measurable if possible.

Common error

Avoid using "had a major effect on" when the impact is minor or negligible. Ensure the effect is genuinely significant and can be substantiated with evidence or data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had a major effect on" functions as a verb phrase indicating causation or influence. It connects a subject with a significant outcome or consequence, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples showing how various factors impact different results.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "had a major effect on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey significant influence or impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and versatile across various domains. With a neutral register, it fits seamlessly into diverse contexts such as science, news, and academia. To enhance clarity in writing, ensure the effect is well-defined and substantiated. While "had a major effect on" is generally appropriate, remember to adjust the strength of the language to align with the actual impact being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had a substantial impact on

Replaces 'major effect' with 'substantial impact' maintaining similar meaning.

greatly affected

A more direct synonym emphasizing the high degree of influence.

significantly influenced

This phrase emphasizes the influence as being substantial and noteworthy.

profoundly impacted

This phrase highlights the depth and extent of the effect.

played a pivotal role in

This suggests the subject was crucial or essential to the outcome.

exerted a strong influence on

Emphasizes the power and reach of the influence.

considerably shaped

Implies influence over the final form or development of something.

left a significant mark on

Highlights the lasting impact or enduring changes caused.

markedly changed

Similar to 'substantially altered', indicating a noticeable change.

substantially altered

Focuses on the degree to which something was changed as a result.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "had a major effect on" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "significantly influenced", "profoundly impacted", or "exerted a strong influence on".

Is "had a major effect on" too strong of a phrase for minor impacts?

Yes, "had a major effect on" implies a substantial impact. For less significant effects, consider using phrases like "had some effect on" or "slightly affected".

What is a synonym for "effect" in "had a major effect on"?

Synonyms for "effect" in this context include "impact", "influence", or "consequence". For example, "had a major impact on", "had a major influence on", or "had a major consequence on".

Can "had a major effect on" be used in a negative context?

Yes, "had a major effect on" can be used in both positive and negative contexts. For instance, "The policy had a major effect on reducing pollution" (positive) or "The economic crisis had a major effect on unemployment rates" (negative).