have a major effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have a major effect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the significant impact or influence of one thing on another. Example: "The new policy is expected to have a major effect on employee productivity and morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It really could have a major effect".

The New York Times

The money didn't have a major effect on me.

The Guardian - Film

A. It's not going to have a major effect.

The New York Times - Health

Will this have a major effect on Biden's likely campaign?

The New York Times

Insurers say the configuration of regions will have a major effect on whether they participate.

The New York Times

But that doesn't mean it might not have a major effect on the Republican Party.

The New Yorker

In the case of ordinary consumers, "switching costs" have a major effect.

The New Yorker

Self-funding certainly does have a major effect on your social life.

The Guardian

Thus, it will not likely have a major effect on the price of gas.

The New York Times

Post-Brexit conditions of trade could, therefore, have a major effect on Britain's economy.

The Guardian

Viruses don't have to cause such horrific symptoms to have a major effect on people's health.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have a major effect", ensure the subject and object are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "It will have a major effect", specify "The policy change will have a major effect on employee morale".

Common error

Avoid using "have a major effect" when the impact is only moderate or minor. Overusing this phrase can weaken its impact when describing genuinely significant effects. Choose words that accurately reflect the degree of impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a major effect" functions as a verb phrase expressing causation or influence. It typically connects a cause (subject) to a significant consequence (object). As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

38%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have a major effect" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a significant impact or consequence. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correctness and broad applicability. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral register, fitting diverse communication needs. For effective writing, ensure clarity in defining the subject and object to highlight the genuine impact, avoiding overstatement. Alternatives like "significantly impact" or "exert a substantial influence" can add nuance depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

greatly impact

A more concise, direct way of expressing a significant effect.

create a significant impact

Highlights the creation of an impact, differing slightly in focus from a pre-existing effect.

exert a substantial influence

Emphasizes the act of exerting influence, suggesting active force.

produce a profound outcome

Focuses on the outcome, implying a deeper or more significant result.

significantly alter

Highlights the alteration or change brought about by something.

have a considerable bearing on

Indicates a relationship of relevance or influence, often in a more formal context.

cause a fundamental change

Emphasizes the depth and foundational nature of the change.

play a critical role

Shifts the focus to the importance of the role something plays, rather than the effect itself.

leave a lasting impression

Focuses on the long-term or memorable nature of the effect.

yield a transformative result

Stresses the transformative nature of the result or outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "have a major effect" in a sentence?

You can use "have a major effect" to indicate that something significantly influences or impacts another thing. For instance, "Increased interest rates "have a major effect" on the housing market".

What can I say instead of "have a major effect"?

Alternatives include "significantly impact", "exert a substantial influence", or "create a significant impact", depending on the context.

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

Both "have a major impact" and "have a major effect" are grammatically correct and similar in meaning. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. "Impact" often implies a forceful or direct influence, while "effect" is more general.

What's the difference between "have a major effect" and "have a minor effect"?

"Have a major effect" indicates a substantial or significant influence, while "have a minor effect" implies a small or negligible influence. The choice depends on the actual degree of impact.