so as to affect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so as to affect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the purpose or intention behind an action, specifically when that action is meant to have an impact or influence on something. Example: "She adjusted her strategy so as to affect the outcome of the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Is it in your view, the art of controlling spirits so as to affect the course of events?

The Guardian

It may be that activin, BMP4 and WNT3A signalling cascades interact with chromatin remodelling complexes (van Grunsven et al., 2005) so as to affect DNA accessibility in a cell type-specific manner.

Development (Cambridge)

In this review, we examine the potential of cropland weeds to evolve so as to affect their invasiveness.

Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment

Metal nanoparticles donate or accept a significant amount of charge upon adsorption of a target molecule, so as to affect electron transport in the nanotube.

Carbon

Each mirror is oriented so as to affect two of the three dimensions; light passing orthogonal to a mirror flows through it without being affected.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Based on these observations, we argue that the CFc magmatic system may be approaching the CDP; that is, that depressurizing magma may release fluids progressively richer in H2O so as to affect the thermal structure of the hydrothermal system.

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

So as to not affect the integrity of the RInChI standard it is proposed that the reaction information is appended to the existing RInChI string and that this field is optional as far as the standard is concerned.

Journal of Cheminformatics

"But please," she asked him, "do not do so so sharply as to affect our security until our forces are ready".

The New York Times

Because it is so thin, the gold layer behaves as a so-called "quantum well," confining electrons in a layer so narrow as to affect their quantum-mechanical properties.

Science Magazine

Even so, the Excursion felt light and the steering was a little vague, though not so much as to affect control.

The New York Times

Sometimes, individual pay schemes go so far as to affect customers.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so as to affect" to clearly indicate the intended consequence or purpose of an action. This phrase adds a layer of intentionality to your writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "so as to affect" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "to influence" or "to impact" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so as to affect" functions as an adverbial phrase of purpose, indicating the reason or intention behind an action. Ludwig's examples show it connecting an action with its desired result, aiming to change or influence a particular outcome.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "so as to affect" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express the purpose of an action, specifically to influence or alter something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While commonly found in scientific, news, and academic writing, it's important to consider the context and choose simpler alternatives like "to influence" or "to impact" for informal settings. The phrase is a useful tool for clearly indicating intentionality and desired outcomes in more formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in order to influence

This alternative is more direct and emphasizes the intention of influencing something.

with the aim of impacting

This alternative highlights the goal or aim of making an impact.

to have an effect on

This alternative is a more neutral and straightforward way of expressing influence.

for the purpose of influencing

This alternative explicitly states the purpose behind the action.

in an attempt to alter

This alternative emphasizes the effort made to change something.

with a view to changing

This alternative suggests a forward-looking perspective and intention to modify.

to bring about a change in

This alternative emphasizes the action of causing a transformation.

intending to shape

This alternative highlights the intention to mold or give form to something.

with the intent of modifying

This alternative clearly states the intention to make alterations.

to manipulate in order to

This alternative is a more forceful and potentially negative way of expressing influence through manipulation.

FAQs

How can I use "so as to affect" in a sentence?

Use "so as to affect" to indicate the purpose of an action and its intended consequence. For example, "She adjusted her strategy "so as to affect" the outcome of the negotiation".

What are some alternatives to "so as to affect"?

You can use alternatives like "in order to influence", "to have an effect on", or "with the aim of impacting" depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "so as to affect" formal or informal?

"So as to affect" is generally considered more formal. In informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "to influence" or "to impact".

What is the difference between "so as to affect" and "in order to affect"?

While both phrases express purpose, "so as to affect" often implies a more calculated or strategic intent, whereas "in order to affect" is a more general expression of purpose.