have an impact

USAGE SUMMARY

"have an impact" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe how an event, situation, or action can influence or shape how something else develops. For example: "The artist's new project promises to have an impact on the art world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That will have an impact.

The New York Times

It will have an impact".

Independent

I think that did have an impact".

Independent

I wanted to have an impact.

The New York Times

Would any of this have an impact?

The New York Times

"These laws have an impact," he said.

The New York Times - Health

But optimism can have an impact.

The New York Times

That is bound to have an impact.

The Economist

So they can have an impact.

The New Yorker

Europe can and must have an impact.

The New York Times

"It really does have an impact".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have an impact" to clearly convey that something is influencing or affecting a situation, decision, or outcome. For example, "Increased funding will have an impact on research outcomes."

Common error

While "have an impact" is correct, avoid using it repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "influence", "affect", or "make a difference" for a more engaging and sophisticated style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have an impact" functions as a predicative expression indicating the capacity or ability to produce an effect or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable structure, and its usage is widely seen across the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have an impact" is a versatile expression used to describe how something influences or affects a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. It's commonly found in news and media, but also appears in science and business contexts. While generally neutral in tone, varying your language with synonyms like "influence" or "make a difference" can enhance your writing. Remember, the goal is to convey the significance or potential consequences of an action or event, and "have an impact" is a strong choice for doing so. The phrase's widespread use and clear meaning make it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

affect the outcome

This focuses on influencing the final result.

make a difference

This alternative suggests a positive influence or improvement.

shape the course

This implies guiding or directing the development of something.

exert an influence

This phrase emphasizes the active application of influence.

bring about change

This highlights the instigation of transformation.

leave a mark

This implies a lasting or memorable effect.

create ripples

This suggests a cascading or spreading effect.

carry weight

This suggests importance or significance.

bear upon

This phrase indicates a direct relevance or connection.

play a role

This suggests contributing to an outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "have an impact" to indicate that something influences or affects a situation or outcome. For example, "The new policy will "have an impact" on employee morale".

What can I say instead of "have an impact"?

You can use alternatives like "make a difference", "exert an influence", or "affect the outcome" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "have an effect" or "have an impact"?

Both "have an effect" and ""have an impact"" are grammatically correct, but ""have an impact"" often suggests a more significant or noticeable influence.

What's the difference between "affect" and "have an impact"?

"Affect" is a verb meaning to influence, while ""have an impact"" uses "impact" as a noun. You can say "The changes will affect the system" or "The changes will "have an impact" on the system", both with similar meanings.