impacts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impacts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the effects or influences of one thing on another, often in contexts related to research, policy, or social issues. Example: "The new policy has significant impacts on the local economy, affecting both businesses and residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is important that sport understands and is sensitive to the potential impacts of the menstrual cycle for female athletes.

The Guardian - Sport

WWF reef campaigner Louise Matthieson said the dredging itself would have "serious impacts, like destroying seagrass beds, regardless of where the spoil is dumped".

The Guardian

"We might try and adopt a quick technological fix but one that holds the worst impacts for a few decades without much attention to what happens after that.

The Guardian

"Given the size of government expenditure on child care, Scott Morrison needs to provide detail about the real impacts of his changes to the system".

The Guardian

The money spent on preparing the UK for the impacts of global warming has almost halved since the environment secretary, Owen Paterson –widely regarded as a climate change sceptic – took office.

The Guardian

Corruption and political upheaval heavily impacts education, making it responsible for numerous social and economic issues, which, in turn, prevents Honduras from climbing the statistical ladder.

The Guardian

While the genuflecting towards BHP and Rio Tinto from large slabs of the business community might be expected, it is harder to explain why those concerned about the environmental and economic impacts of mining have been so quiet in their defence of the points made by Forrest.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Ours is the first generation that can end poverty, and the last that can take steps to avoid the worst impacts of climate change," wrote Ban Ki-moon in the Guardian recently.

The Guardian

The key threats are impacts from climate change including changes in temperature, sea ice, acidification, as well as the potential for increasing commercial fishing as fisheries in other parts of the world become over-exploited.

The Guardian

Given that poorer countries are likely to be hit hardest by the impacts of climate change from burning all that coal, the idea that they so desperately need fossil fuels feels a little like selling cigarettes to lung cancer sufferers.

The Guardian

Alongside this, negotiators will also be looking to progress on a negotiating track known as "loss and damage" where developing countries (in particular small island states and countries such as the typhoon-ravaged Philippines) are compensated for climate change impacts.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the effects of a specific event or policy, clearly define what areas are affected and to what extent. Providing specific examples or data enhances the clarity and strength of your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "impacts" as a vague catch-all term. Be specific about what kind of impacts you are describing (e.g., environmental impacts, economic impacts, social impacts) to provide a more precise and informative analysis.

Linguistic Context

The word "impacts" primarily functions as a plural noun, denoting multiple effects or consequences. It can also function as the third-person singular present tense form of the verb 'impact'. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "impacts" is a versatile term most commonly used as the plural form of the noun "impact", referring to multiple effects or consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and widely used term in English. It functions to describe and analyze effects, particularly in contexts like news reporting and academic discussions. While alternatives such as "effects", "consequences", and "repercussions" exist, "impacts" often conveys a stronger sense of influence. When writing, it's crucial to specify the nature of the impacts (e.g., environmental, economic) to provide a clear and informative analysis. "Impacts" is most frequently encountered in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

effects

Focuses on the result or consequence of something.

consequences

Emphasizes the outcomes or results that follow from an action or condition.

repercussions

Highlights the indirect or unexpected consequences.

aftereffects

Stresses the results that follow sometime after the initial event or cause.

outcomes

Emphasizes the final result of a process or event.

influences

Highlights the power to affect someone or something.

results

Focuses on the measurable or tangible outcomes.

ramifications

Implies complex and far-reaching consequences.

implications

Stresses the potential future effects or consequences.

bearing

Emphasizes the relevance or connection to something.

FAQs

How do I use "impacts" in a sentence?

You can use "impacts" to describe the effects or consequences of something. For example, "The policy changes had significant impacts on small businesses."

What are some alternatives to using "impacts"?

Alternatives to "impacts" include "effects", "consequences", or "repercussions" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "impact" or "impacts"?

Use "impact" for a singular effect and "impacts" for multiple effects. For example, "The decision had a major impact" versus "The decision had several significant impacts."

How does the connotation of "impacts" differ from "effects"?

"Impacts" often suggest a stronger or more forceful effect than "effects". "Effects" is a more general term for results or consequences.