have an effect on

USAGE SUMMARY

"have an effect on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the consequences or result of something having an impact on someone or something else. For example: "The recent changes in policy have had a significant effect on the company's financial standing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I don't think it will have an effect on us.

BBC

It does have an effect on us".

The New Yorker

"We certainly have an effect on that.

The New York Times - Sports

"It would have an effect on services.

The Guardian

His back may also have an effect on his pitching.

The New York Times - Sports

He said: "Mechanics don't have an effect on setup.

The Guardian - Sport

"This could have an effect on our friendlies going forward.

The Guardian - Sport

This might have an effect on upcoming appointments.

The Guardian - Sport

Did that have an effect on his team?

The Guardian - Sport

Seemingly unrelated aspects can have an effect on game design.

The Guardian - Tech

That's bound to have an effect on the court".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have an effect on", ensure the subject of the sentence clearly identifies what is causing the effect and the object indicates what is being affected for clarity.

Common error

A common error is using "affect" (a verb meaning to influence) when "effect" (a noun meaning a result) is needed. Remember that "have an effect on" uses "effect" as a noun.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have an effect on" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of influencing or producing a change in something. It's a common way to express causality or impact, as demonstrated by the numerous examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

47%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have an effect on" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe influence or impact. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability across diverse contexts like News & Media and Science. While alternatives like "impact" or "influence" exist, "have an effect on" provides a clear and readily understood way to express causality. Be mindful to use "effect" as a noun in this phrase, avoiding confusion with the verb "affect". Using this phrase appropriately ensures clear and effective communication in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

influence

This alternative is a single word and directly implies the power to change or affect something.

impact

This alternative is a single word that suggests a strong effect, often sudden or forceful.

affect

This alternative is a verb meaning to produce an effect or change in something or someone.

make a difference to

This alternative suggests that the effect is significant and leads to a noticeable change.

exert an influence on

This alternative emphasizes the active application of influence.

play a role in

This alternative indicates that something contributes to an outcome without necessarily being the sole cause.

bear on

This alternative implies relevance or connection to a particular matter.

contribute to

This alternative suggests that something is one of several factors that produce a result.

leave its mark on

This alternative implies a lasting effect or impression.

shape

This alternative suggests a formative influence.

FAQs

What does "have an effect on" mean?

The phrase "have an effect on" means to influence or cause a change in something or someone. It indicates that one thing is impacting another.

How can I use "have an effect on" in a sentence?

You can use "have an effect on" to show that something is influencing or changing something else. For example, "The new policy will "impact" employee morale."

What are some alternatives to "have an effect on"?

Some alternatives to "have an effect on" include "influence", "impact", "affect", or "make a difference to", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "have an effect on" and "affect"?

"Affect" is a verb that means to influence something, while "effect" is a noun that means a result or consequence. The phrase "have an effect on" uses "effect" as a noun and functions similarly to the verb "affect", but with a slightly different structure.