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Affect vs. Influence vs. Impact

synonyms

These three verbs are related to causing a change in someone or something but they imply different degrees of change. Follow the lesson to find out more.

What is the difference between 'affect' and 'influence' and 'impact?

'Affect', 'influence', and 'impact' are all concerned with producing a change. However, while 'affect' is concerned with more direct changes, 'influence' is used to refer to indirect or intangible changes, and 'impact' is concerned with significant and direct changes. This lesson will discuss the difference between these three verbs.

Degree of Change

'Affect' refers to the act of causing a change or having an effect on something or someone. It implies that there is a direct cause-and-effect relationship between the action and its consequences. 'Influence' is mostly concerned with shaping or altering someone's action, behavior, or decisions, or something's condition or course of development in more intangible or unnoticeable ways. It implies a more indirect change in the object or subject and focuses on the power to sway or modify the thoughts, decisions, or development of a person, thing, or situation. 'Impact', on the other hand, is concerned with more direct and substantial changes. It can refer to a noticeable, significant, or transformative effect that alters a situation, behavior, outcome, or the overall course of events. Here are some examples:

Her illness affected her ability to concentrate on her work.

The economic crisis affected the company's profits and operations.

'Affect' is more concerned with direct cause and effect relationships.

The economic crisis influenced the company's decision to downsize its workforce.

'Influence' refers to more indirect causes for an event or decision.

Music has the power to influence our emotions and uplift our spirits.

The economic downturn impacted the housing market.

The decision to close the factory will impact the livelihoods of many workers.

'Impact' refers to more substantial and significant changes.

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