making a positive impact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making a positive impact" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe the effect or influence of an action. For example, "The community outreach program was successful in making a positive impact on the lives of the people it served."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

– and seen to be making a positive impact.

The Guardian

The positive of running for mayor would be making a positive impact for Jersey City.

The New York Times

The National Panhellenic Conference includes nearly four million women who believe that today's sororities are making a positive impact.

The New York Times

Contribute with Guardian Witness If life is about making a positive impact in the lives of others, Terry Pratchett's was exceptional, for all that it ended too soon.

The Guardian - Books

Triodos Bank promises that it is 100% ethical, saying it is "only lending money to people and organisations making a positive impact – culturally, socially and environmentally".

The Guardian

Through the university's Environmental Sustainability Strategy, we are committed to making a positive impact in this area, making sure that the university operates sustainably every day".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

"I want to make a positive impact.

The Guardian - Sport

"I think he made a positive impact," said Meeks.

The Guardian - Business

But he's considering how he can make a positive impact.

The Guardian - Film

He was uneasy, he said, but hoped that he could make a positive impact.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the long run, Sarkozy could make a positive impact on the EU.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "making a positive impact", ensure that you can clearly define and, if possible, quantify the impact. Specificity adds credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the scope of the positive impact. Be realistic and honest about the extent of the changes brought about by your actions or initiatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making a positive impact" functions as a verbal phrase, describing the act of creating a beneficial effect. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is commonly used to describe the effect or influence of an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "making a positive impact" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression that describes creating a beneficial effect. Ludwig's analysis, combined with the provided examples, indicates its prevalence across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. This expression is versatile and can be used to highlight the positive outcomes of actions and initiatives. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for describing the effect or influence of an action. When using the phrase, specificity about the impact can add credibility. While ubiquitous, it's important to be realistic and avoid exaggeration about the scope of the change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having a beneficial effect

Changes the verb and noun while retaining the core meaning of creating something good.

contributing positively

Focuses on the act of contributing to a positive outcome, rather than the impact itself.

creating a favorable change

Emphasizes the creation of change that is beneficial or advantageous.

exerting a constructive influence

Highlights the influence aspect, framing it as constructive and beneficial.

leaving a positive footprint

Uses a metaphor to describe the lasting positive effect.

promoting well-being

Directly focuses on the promotion of a state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.

advancing the common good

Implies a contribution to the welfare of everyone, focusing on the community aspect.

fostering positive outcomes

Focuses on the encouragement and development of positive results.

bettering society

A more direct way of saying making things better for everyone in society.

improving the world

Uses a broader scope, indicating a positive change on a global scale.

FAQs

How can I use "making a positive impact" in a sentence?

You can use "making a positive impact" to describe the beneficial effect of an action or initiative. For example, "Volunteering regularly is a great way of "making a positive impact" in your community".

What are some alternatives to "making a positive impact"?

Alternatives include "having a beneficial effect", "contributing positively", or "creating a favorable change", depending on the specific context.

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

Both "make a positive impact" and "have a positive impact" are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice often comes down to personal preference, though "make" might suggest a more active and direct effort.

What does it mean to "achieve a positive impact"?

To "achieve a positive impact" implies successfully creating a beneficial or favorable change. It emphasizes the accomplishment of a goal with positive results.