significantly affect

USAGE SUMMARY

"significantly affect" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate a noticeable or important effect—one that makes a significant difference. For example, "Climate change will significantly affect the global economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Blood sugar drops can significantly affect attention.

The New York Times

Plays may not significantly affect election results.

The New York Times

Immigrants can significantly affect public health.

The New York Times

He continues to significantly affect today's rap music.

The Guardian - Music

That makes it highly unlikely that any new rules will significantly affect Election Day.

The New York Times

This could cause civil unrest in some countries or significantly affect our economic and financial systems.

The Guardian

Resveratrol is found in red wine though in amounts probably too low to significantly affect muscle.

The New York Times - Science

"Regulatory change and public policy significantly affect the expected economic returns from carbon related industries.

The Guardian

It would increase noise overall, and significantly affect local respite periods, but reduce night noise.

The Guardian

"And these choices I think will significantly affect the future of the people of this country.

The New York Times

But, in truth, none of them is likely to significantly affect the strategic situation in Libya.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "significantly affect", ensure that you quantify the impact or provide specific examples to illustrate the extent of the effect. For example, instead of saying "The new policy will significantly affect the company", specify "The new policy will significantly affect the company's revenue, potentially decreasing profits by 15%."

Common error

Avoid using "significantly affect" when the impact is minor or negligible. Overusing the phrase can dilute its meaning and weaken your argument. Choose more appropriate language if the effect is minimal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significantly affect" functions as a verb phrase, where "significantly" modifies the verb "affect", indicating the degree or extent of the impact. As Ludwig indicates, it's used to describe something having a considerable influence. The examples show its application across diverse subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "significantly affect" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a considerable influence or impact. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its use is particularly frequent in scientific and news-related contexts. The phrase's neutral to formal register makes it suitable for various types of writing. While synonyms like "greatly affect" and "dramatically affect" exist, it is important to consider the specific nuance needed for accuracy. Overstating the impact of something by using it when inappropriate should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

greatly affect

Indicates that the effect is large in magnitude.

considerably affect

Implies the effect is substantial and worth considering.

appreciably affect

Emphasizes that the effect is noticeable or measurable.

markedly affect

Suggests that the effect is clearly noticeable or distinct.

dramatically affect

Highlights that the effect is sudden and substantial.

noticeably affect

Emphasizes that the effect is easily observed.

substantially influence

Focuses on the power to change something in a major way.

heavily impact

Highlights the strong force or effect something has.

profoundly alter

Emphasizes the depth and extent of the change.

seriously impact

Indicates that the effect is important and potentially negative.

FAQs

How can I use "significantly affect" in a sentence?

Use "significantly affect" to describe something that has a noteworthy or considerable impact on something else. For instance, "Changes in interest rates can "significantly affect" the housing market".

What are some alternatives to "significantly affect"?

Alternatives include "greatly affect", "dramatically affect", or "considerably affect". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "significantly affect" or "significantly impact"?

Both are acceptable, but "affect" is generally preferred as it's a more direct verb. "Impact" is often used as a noun, although its use as a verb is increasingly common. To minimize confusion, stick to "significantly affect".

What's the difference between "slightly affect" and "significantly affect"?

"Slightly affect" implies a minor or small influence, whereas "significantly affect" indicates a notable or considerable influence. The choice depends on the magnitude of the effect you wish to convey. If the impact is minimal, use "slightly affect", otherwise, use significantly affect.