To have an impact on someone or something is to have a noticeable effect on a person, action or situation.
have an impact on + person/thing; have a positive/negative impact on + noun
- Reliable buses can have an impact on how often residents drive.
- The new timetable had a positive impact on attendance.
What changed
First version
The policy had an impact to local businesses.
Revision
The policy had an impact on local businesses.
In this construction, impact takes on: impact on businesses. If needed, say whether the effect is positive or negative: a positive impact or a negative impact.
In an essay, “has an impact” explains very little on its own. Add what changed and why: for example, better transport reduced the need to drive.
Your turn
The price change had an impact ___ small shops. (on / to)
Show the answer
on — Use on to introduce what is affected: impact on small shops.
Write about how a specific change affected people's behaviour. Name the effect itself.
Longer opening hours had an impact on library use: students who worked during the day began visiting in the evening.
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