having a negative effect on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having a negative effect on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when talking about something that has or brings about an undesirable outcome. For example, "The widespread use of plastics is having a negative effect on the planet's ecology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Up to 50 wt% of GC could be replaced by glycerol without having a negative effect on the pretreatment effectiveness.

Biotechnology for Biofuels

Vision Zero is perceived negatively and speed reductions is seen as having a negative effect on economic growth.

European Transport Research Review

"No, it is more having a negative effect on Christmas.

The Guardian

But critics say it's already having a negative effect on salaries.

The Guardian

This information can end up having a negative effect on your life".

The New York Times

ARE forward-facing strollers having a negative effect on babies' language development?

The New York Times

To avoid emotions having a negative effect on strategic decision-making, managers can do three things.

Harvard Business Review

"I knew it was having a negative effect on her health," says Chan.

The Washington Post

But it also is having a negative effect on competitors, shutting off traffic for those sites.

The New York Times - Tech

Some believe that the scarcity of data is having a negative effect on the two companies' stock prices.

The New York Times

"The cuts are having a negative effect on our students and making the working lives of our members intolerable.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about cause-and-effect relationships, ensure clarity by specifying both the cause and the affected entity. For example, instead of just saying "the policy is having a negative effect", specify "the policy is having a negative effect on employee morale".

Common error

While "having a negative effect on" is grammatically sound, overuse can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your language by using synonyms like "adversely affecting" or "detrimental to" to enhance readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having a negative effect on" functions as a verbal phrase that describes the action of negatively influencing something. It connects a subject to an object, indicating that the subject's actions or qualities result in an undesirable outcome for the object. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "having a negative effect on" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote a detrimental impact. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct for use in written English. The phrase sees frequent usage across diverse registers, particularly in news, scientific and formal/business writing contexts. While versatile, avoid overuse by employing synonyms like "adversely affecting" or "detrimental to". By clearly specifying cause-and-effect, and alternating with synonyms, you can ensure clarity and enhance readability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adversely affecting

Implies a harmful impact, often in a more direct or immediate sense. The similarity score is high because it directly describes causing a negative change.

detrimental to

Suggests a more significant or lasting harm. It's slightly more formal than the original phrase.

impacting negatively

A more concise and direct way of saying something is having a negative influence. It can be used in many contexts.

harmful to

Indicates something that is likely to cause damage or injury. It is a simpler and more straightforward expression.

prejudicial to

Suggests causing harm or disadvantage, often in a legal or formal context. It is less commonly used in everyday conversation.

deleterious to

A more formal and somewhat less common way of saying something is harmful. It implies a subtle or gradual harm.

undermining

Suggests weakening or eroding something, often gradually or subtly. It focuses on the process of weakening rather than the outcome.

compromising

Implies that something is being put at risk or made vulnerable. It is often used in the context of safety or security.

taking a toll on

Suggests a gradual weakening or depletion of something, often due to stress or overuse. It is more informal and figurative.

proving detrimental to

States that something has already shown itself to be harmful. It adds an element of proof or evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "having a negative effect on" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to describe something that is causing harm or producing an undesirable outcome. For example, "Pollution is "having a negative effect on" the environment".

What can I say instead of "having a negative effect on"?

You can use alternatives like "adversely affecting", "detrimental to", or "harmful to" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "having a negative impact on" or "having a negative effect on"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context. "Impact" might sound slightly more formal than "effect".

What's the difference between "having a negative effect on" and "having a positive effect on"?

The phrases describe opposite outcomes. "Having a negative effect on" indicates something is causing harm or undesirable results, while "having a positive effect on" indicates something is causing benefits or desirable results.