make an impact on

USAGE SUMMARY

"make an impact on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe making a positive or negative difference on something or someone. For example, "The politician was passionate about making an impact on the city's economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Make an impact on just one person.

Huffington Post

No one could make an impact on the Rangers this season.

The New York Times - Sports

Morris also backed Bird to make an impact on debut.

The Guardian - Sport

I'll still make an impact on the game.

The New York Times - Sports

"I want to make an impact on the game.

The New York Times

"But what ability do we have to make an impact on that?" he asked.

The New York Times - Magazine

It has not taken Malcolm Reilly long to make an impact on Hull Kingston Rovers.

The Guardian - Sport

The wounds it leaves, physical and psychological, make an impact on whole families and communities.

The Guardian - Opinion

Skoll explains how such apparently marginal films can make an impact on the world.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He should get a chance to make an impact on the series.

The New York Times

They started to make an impact on the Washington state music scene.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Remember that while 'make an impact on' is commonly used, overusing it can weaken your writing. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "have an effect on" or "influence" to keep your prose engaging.

Common error

Avoid using "impact" as a generic noun when a more specific word would provide clarity. Instead of saying, "The project had a big impact", be more precise: "The project significantly improved efficiency" or "The project greatly reduced costs".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make an impact on" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of having a significant effect or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, highlighting its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make an impact on" is a versatile and widely used expression to convey influence or effect. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and acceptable in various contexts, most frequently in news and media. Its usage spans from formal academic writing to more informal news reporting. To enhance writing, it is suggested to use "influence", "affect", or "have an effect on" as alternatives. Remember to avoid overuse and consider if a more specific verb might provide greater clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have an effect on

This alternative focuses on the result of an action rather than the act of influencing.

influence

A more concise verb that captures the essence of affecting something.

affect

A direct synonym emphasizing the production of a change in someone or something.

leave a mark on

This phrase highlights a lasting influence or impression.

have a bearing on

This alternative suggests relevance or importance in relation to something.

exert influence on

Highlights the effort or power used to affect something.

shape

Focuses on the act of molding or directing the course of something.

mold

Similar to "shape", but often implies a more direct or forceful influence.

transform

Suggests a more significant or complete change.

contribute to

This alternative emphasizes a role in bringing about a particular outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "make an impact on" to indicate that someone or something has a significant effect or influence on something else. For example, "Her work made an impact on the community".

What are some alternatives to "make an impact on"?

Alternatives include "influence", "affect", "have an effect on", or "leave a mark on". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "make an impact on" or simply "impact"?

While "impact" can be used as a verb, "make an impact on" is often preferred for its clarity and emphasis on the action of influencing something. It is generally safer to use the full phrase.

Can "make an impact on" have a negative connotation?

Yes, "make an impact on" can be used to describe both positive and negative effects. For example, "The scandal made a negative impact on his career".