make a real impact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a real impact" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the significance or effectiveness of an action, project, or initiative in creating a positive change. Example: "Our goal is to implement strategies that will make a real impact on the community's well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He just struggled to make a real impact.

Independent

Sometimes, you act pragmatically to make a real impact.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's very hard to make a real impact in parliament.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some make millions, while others make a real impact in peoples' lives.

The New York Times

In the public sector, you make a real impact and gain valuable skills.

The New York Times

If you want to make a real impact, you have to work inside the system, too.

The New York Times - Magazine

However, through STAR I feel I can make a real impact on people's lives.

The Guardian

With a problem that big, how do you make a real impact?

The New York Times

New ideas occur over the life of a project that can make a real impact.

The Guardian

Devolution combined with strong planning and capable people can make a real impact.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I've been patient for a long time, and now I believe I can make a real impact," Cruz said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to highlight the importance of specific actions, use "make a real impact" to underscore the potential for positive change. It's particularly effective when discussing community projects, policy changes, or personal contributions.

Common error

Avoid using "make a real impact" when the context lacks specific details about the intended change or outcome. Overusing it can dilute its effectiveness, especially in situations where the potential impact is unclear or unsubstantiated. Instead, ensure your writing provides concrete examples of how the impact will be realized.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a real impact" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a clause to express the capacity or intention to produce a significant effect or change. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its versatility in describing actions across diverse fields, from personal contributions to international policy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a real impact" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe actions that produce significant positive change. As shown by Ludwig AI, its grammatical structure is correct, and it's frequently found in news, business, and scientific contexts. While alternatives like ""create a significant effect"" or ""have a meaningful influence"" exist, "make a real impact" effectively underscores the potential for meaningful change or influence across diverse settings. It's important to use it in contexts where the intended change is clear to prevent overuse and maintain its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create a significant effect

Focuses on the creation of an effect, emphasizing the result rather than the act of impacting.

have a meaningful influence

Highlights the influence aspect, suggesting a deeper and more lasting effect.

exert a substantial influence

Emphasizes the exertion of influence, suggesting a deliberate effort.

leave a lasting impression

Shifts the focus to the impression left behind, implying a memorable effect.

bring about positive change

Specifies the type of impact as positive, focusing on the outcome of the change.

contribute significantly

Highlights the act of contributing, suggesting a part in a larger effort.

make a substantial difference

Focuses on the difference made, implying a measurable or noticeable change.

play a pivotal role

Emphasizes the importance of the role played in achieving a specific outcome.

effectuate tangible results

Highlights the achievement of tangible results, emphasizing concrete outcomes.

catalyze meaningful progress

Focuses on catalyzing progress, suggesting the initiation of positive advancements.

FAQs

How can I use "make a real impact" in a sentence?

You can use "make a real impact" to describe actions or initiatives that have a significant positive effect. For example, "Volunteering can "make a real impact" on the lives of others".

What are some alternatives to "make a real impact"?

Alternatives include "create a significant effect", "have a meaningful influence", or "make a substantial difference", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "make a real impact" or "have a real impact"?

Both "make a real impact" and "have a real impact" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. "Make a real impact" emphasizes the action of creating change, while "have a real impact" focuses on possessing the ability to influence. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "make a real impact" and "make a difference"?

"Make a difference" is a more general term for having a positive effect. "Make a real impact" suggests a more substantial, noticeable, and potentially lasting effect than simply making a difference. The term "real impact" implies a greater level of significance.