make an effect

USAGE SUMMARY

'make an effect' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the action of causing a change or result. For example, "The new tax policy is sure to make an effect on the economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Few operas are as reliably able to make an effect.

The New York Times - Arts

"I don't have the luxury of making clothes just to make an effect," Ms. Sui said.

The New York Times

A potentially fascinating mixed-media episode failed to make an effect.

The New York Times - Arts

Geoff perceptively points out that Helen "likes to make an effect", and that becomes the clue to Lesley Sharp's dazzling performance.

The Guardian

People just want to make a mark, so people online making those comments just want to make a mark; they want to make an effect.

Independent

Mr. Tovey was generally energetic and won over the audience completely as a demurely wisecracking M.C., but the electricity tended to fade in and out over the course of each piece, from Dvorak's "Carnival Overture" to Sibelius's "Finlandia" (in which the brass, at least, was able to make an effect).

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

She certainly made an effect, but in the process somewhat bypassed the meditative and profound aspects of the song literature.

The New York Times - Arts

The former, used especially for the copying of literature, aimed at clarity, regularity, and impersonality and often made an effect of beauty by their deliberate stylization.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The addition of crystalline polymer into bitumen/SBS blends makes an effect on the phase structure, rheological property and thermal stability.

Construction and Building Materials

Put differently, making an effect (e.g. a mental disorder) appear to be more biologically caused (e.g. by neurotransmitter imbalances) should make biological interventions on that causal system (e.g. medication) appear more effective.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

The pyruvate/lactate ratio during normoxic conditions in early diabetes may be explained by either increased gluconeogenesis or by glycolysis, not by making an effect on oxidative phosphorylation.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a more sophisticated tone, consider alternatives like "create an impact" or "produce a result" instead of the more straightforward "make an effect".

Common error

While "make an effect" is grammatically correct, relying on it too heavily can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing by using synonyms such as "generate a response" or "have an influence" to enhance the overall quality of your text.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make an effect" functions as a verb phrase, where "make" acts as the main verb and "an effect" serves as the direct object. This construction signifies the action of causing or producing a specific outcome or impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make an effect" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe causing a change or result. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is valid for use in English writing. While not the most sophisticated phrasing, it is versatile and applicable in various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. For a more refined tone, consider alternatives such as "create an impact" or "produce a result". Despite its validity, overuse should be avoided to prevent repetitive writing. As shown by Ludwig's examples, its frequency lies in the "uncommon" range so it is suggested to not abuse it in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

produce a result

Replaces "effect" with "result", focusing on the outcome.

create an impact

Substitutes "effect" with "impact", emphasizing the force or influence generated.

generate a response

Focuses on eliciting a reaction or answer.

have an influence

Highlights the power to change or affect something.

bring about a change

Emphasizes the alteration or modification that occurs.

exert an influence

Similar to 'have an influence', but suggests a more active or forceful application.

leave a mark

Indicates a lasting or memorable impression.

make a difference

Focuses on creating a positive or significant change.

achieve a consequence

Highlights attaining a specific outcome or result.

induce a reaction

Focuses specifically on causing a response.

FAQs

How can I use "make an effect" in a sentence?

You can use "make an effect" to describe causing a change or result. For example, "The new policy is intended to make an effect on the environment."

What can I say instead of "make an effect"?

You can use alternatives like "create an impact", "produce a result", or "have an influence" depending on the context.

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

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "have an effect" is often preferred as it sounds more natural. "Make an effect" implies a more deliberate action of causing something.

What's the difference between "make an effect" and "make a difference"?

"Make an effect" refers to causing any kind of result, while "make a difference" specifically means to have a positive or significant impact.