having an effect on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having an effect on" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when discussing how something or someone is influencing or impacting another thing or person. Example: The new company policies are having a positive effect on employee productivity and morale.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Clearly, FU is not having an effect on GLI1 similar to the one seen on GLI2.

BMC Genomics

The 45th president appears to be having an effect on teenagers, but not a positive one.

HuffPost

e360: Urban environments are even having an effect on mating.

Yale University

"They're still having an effect on the game".

The New York Times - Sports

Is aids having an effect on Russia's military?

The New Yorker

First off it is having an effect on the crowds.

The Guardian - Sport

The Predator's success in Afghanistan is already having an effect on the C.I.A.'s budget.

The New York Times

The incidents may be having an effect on the team's relationship with fans.

The New York Times - Sports

There are signs that this added burden is already having an effect on the economy.

The New York Times

There was some evidence that the market's six-week swoon is having an effect on investors.

The New York Times

"There is finally a role for media and entertainment having an effect on technology".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "having an effect on", ensure the subject and object are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what is causing the effect and what is being affected.

Common error

Avoid using "affect" instead of "effect" in this phrase. "Affect" is typically a verb, while "effect" is a noun. Therefore, the correct phrase is "having an effect on", not "having an affect on".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having an effect on" functions as a verbal phrase that indicates the action of influencing or producing a change in something. It's used to express causality, as shown by Ludwig, where various sources demonstrate its application across diverse subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "having an effect on" is a grammatically correct and widely used verbal phrase that serves to describe the influence or impact of one thing on another. As supported by Ludwig AI, its versatility is evident in its presence across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. While alternatives like "affecting" or "influencing" exist, it's essential to maintain clarity and accuracy by using "effect" as a noun in this construction. By being mindful of potential errors and considering the specific context, writers can effectively use this phrase to convey causality and explain relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

affecting

A direct synonym, indicating a similar action of influencing or changing something.

influencing

A more concise verb form that directly states the action of affecting something.

impacting

Similar to 'affecting', but often implies a stronger or more significant influence.

making an impact on

Focuses on the result or consequence of the action, highlighting the significance of the effect.

exerting an influence on

Emphasizes the act of applying influence, suggesting a more deliberate action.

shaping

Implies a significant and formative influence, suggesting the alteration of something's form or character.

leaving its mark on

Suggests a lasting or permanent effect, emphasizing the enduring nature of the influence.

contributing to

Highlights the act of adding to or causing a particular result, emphasizing the additive effect.

playing a role in

Indicates involvement or contribution to an outcome, suggesting a partial influence.

bearing upon

A more formal and literary alternative, indicating relevance or connection to something.

FAQs

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

Use "having an effect on" to describe how something influences or impacts something else. For example: "The new regulations are having an effect on small businesses".

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

You can use alternatives like "affecting", "influencing", or "impacting" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "having an affect on" instead of "having an effect on"?

No, the correct phrase is "having an effect on". "Effect" is a noun in this context, meaning result or consequence. "Affect" is typically used as a verb.

What is the difference between "having an effect on" and "having an impact on"?

While similar, "having an effect on" is a more general term. "Having an impact on" often suggests a stronger or more significant influence.