Describing an influence

The idea

Use have an effect to express this idea in context. The verb changes with tense and subject.

Examples

• Rain has an effect on traffic.
• Sleep has a positive effect on memory.
• The delay had an effect on our plans.
• The new lights had little effect on sales.
• Music can have a calming effect on children.
• The change will have an effect on costs.

Watch out

Avoid make an effect in this meaning; the natural combination is have an effect.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the missing word. The new timetable may ___ an effect on attendance. (have / make)

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   have

   have: The modal calls for the base form.

2. Choose the missing word. The storm ___ an effect on deliveries yesterday. (had / has)

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   had

   had: Yesterday or the past time calls for the past form.

3. Choose the missing word. The price change ___ an effect on demand. (has / have)

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   has

   has: The singular subject calls for this present form.

Use it today

Write your own sentence about this idea.