make an impact

USAGE SUMMARY

'make an impact' is correct and usable in written English.
It typically means to have a strong effect or influence on a situation. Example sentence: She was determined to make an impact in her career.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We've got to make an impact".

The New York Times

But Mrs Museveni could make an impact.

The Economist

"Our goal is to make an impact.

The New York Times

Does Hamlet make an impact?

The New York Times

"I will make an impact.

The Guardian - Sport

Prepare to make an impact.

Columbia University

You can make an impact.

Stanford University

Interns can make an impact.

The Washington Post

Their special teams make an impact.

The New York Times - Sports

Can Nadal make an impact here?

The Guardian - Sport

The Armenian failed to make an impact.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make an impact", consider the specific type of impact you want to convey. Is it a positive change, a lasting impression, or a significant effect? Choose verbs and adjectives that clarify your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "make an impact" when the effect is minimal or negligible. Overusing the phrase can diminish its meaning and credibility. Ensure the situation warrants such a strong expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make an impact" functions as a verbal phrase where 'make' acts as a verb and 'an impact' serves as the object. Ludwig examples show it used to express a desire or ability to influence or affect a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

23%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make an impact" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey the act of creating a significant effect or change. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. It appears frequently in News & Media and Academia, indicating its versatility across different registers. While alternatives like "have an effect" or "make a difference" exist, "make an impact" specifically emphasizes a noticeable and often intentional influence. Remember to consider the context and avoid overstating the impact to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have an effect

This alternative is a more general way of saying to create a change or outcome.

exert influence

This phrase emphasizes the power to sway or affect something.

leave a mark

This idiom focuses on creating a lasting impression.

make a difference

This suggests a positive or beneficial effect.

have repercussions

This implies consequences, often significant.

carry weight

This conveys importance and influence.

impress greatly

This focuses on creating a strong positive reaction.

generate buzz

This focuses on creating excitement and attention.

resonate deeply

This implies having a strong emotional or intellectual effect.

catalyze change

This suggests initiating or accelerating a transformation.

FAQs

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

"Make an impact" is typically used to describe creating a significant or noticeable effect. For example, "She hopes to make an impact in the field of medicine."

What's a good alternative to "make an impact"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "have an effect", "make a difference", or "exert influence".

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

Both "make an impact" and "have an impact" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice often comes down to personal preference, though "make an impact" might suggest a more active role in creating the effect.

What does it mean to "make an impact" holistically?

To "make an impact" holistically suggests creating a significant effect across multiple interconnected areas or aspects, rather than focusing on a single, isolated element.