have a decisive impact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have a decisive impact" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the significant influence or effect that something has on a situation or outcome. Example: "The new policy is expected to have a decisive impact on the company's overall performance this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

ECJ rulings are binding on British courts and its decision could have a decisive impact on the powers of GCHQ, the Cheltenham-based monitoring agency.

The Guardian

Its final decision could have a decisive impact on the powers of GCHQ, the Cheltenham-based monitoring agency, and could come shortly before Britons decide whether to remain in or leave the EU on 23 June.

The Guardian

And refereeing decisions can have a decisive impact on the outcome.

BBC

Yes, we may have a decisive impact early.

The New York Times

The Obama administration, too, believes that China could have a decisive impact on Pyongyang's behavior.

The New York Times

These observations can have a decisive impact on urban planning, human comfort and health.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

But usually only one or two will have a decisive impact on any particular business.

Harvard Business Review

Viner said it is "quite hard to prove" whether newspapers would have a decisive impact on voting.

The Guardian

Even if Perot "fades" as some people expect, unless he disappears he can have a decisive impact on the election.

The New Yorker

Estimates suggest that the Muslim community can have a decisive impact on the outcomes of about 110 seats.

The Economist

The analysis method accounts for turbine blade cooling requirements, which have a decisive impact on cycle performance.

International Journal of Thermal Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have a decisive impact", ensure the context clearly defines what is being impacted and why the impact is considered decisive. This adds clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "have a decisive impact" when the effect is only partial or contributory. Reserve this phrase for situations where the influence is truly game-changing or outcome-determining.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a decisive impact" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that something exerts a significant and determining influence. Ludwig confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase is used to describe actions or factors that critically affect outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have a decisive impact" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for conveying significant influence. Ludwig's analysis shows it's suitable for neutral to professional contexts, with a strong presence in news, science, and formal business communications. While synonyms like "make a significant difference" or "play a pivotal role" offer alternatives, "have a decisive impact" emphasizes a clear and determining effect. It's essential to use this phrase accurately, reserving it for situations where the influence is truly game-changing, as supported by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a crucial effect

Replaces "impact" with "effect" and uses "crucial" to denote importance.

make a significant difference

Substitutes "decisive impact" with a more general expression of importance, using "significant" to highlight the effect.

be instrumental in

Highlights the function of being a key factor in achieving a particular result.

exert a critical influence

Replaces "decisive impact" with a focus on "influence" and uses "critical" to emphasize importance.

play a pivotal role

Changes the structure to focus on the "role" something plays, using "pivotal" to denote importance.

affect substantially

Focuses on the act of affecting something in a significant manner.

strongly influence

Simplifies the phrase to a verb-adverb combination, emphasizing the act of influencing.

carry considerable weight

Uses a metaphorical expression to convey the idea of importance and influence.

determine the outcome

Shifts the focus to the result, suggesting that something controls or decides the final result.

shape the course of events

Emphasizes the power to direct or alter the way things happen.

FAQs

How can I use "have a decisive impact" in a sentence?

You can use "have a decisive impact" to describe something that significantly influences an outcome, for example: "The new policy is expected to "have a decisive impact" on the company's profits."

What are some alternatives to "have a decisive impact"?

Alternatives include "make a significant difference", "play a pivotal role", or "strongly influence". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "have a decisive impact on" or "have a decisive effect on"?

"Impact" and "effect" are often interchangeable, but "impact" tends to suggest a more forceful or immediate influence. Choose the word that best fits the specific context you're describing. The phrase "have a crucial effect" is very similar.

Can "have a decisive impact" be used in both formal and informal writing?

While generally suitable for formal writing, "have a decisive impact" can also be used in some informal contexts where you want to emphasize a strong influence. However, consider your audience and choose simpler language if necessary.