Why do we now say "Impact" instead of "Effect". ? Last I heard is that bombs leave or cause an impact and sometimes teeth are impacted but most things that impact is now used for have an "EFFECT". Is this another "wannabe" word ?
2007-12-02 04:20:24 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
It is poor usage. Something can "have an impact" on something else, but unless it actually hits it with force, it doesn't "impact" it. There are many uses for the word "impact" but it is being poorly used these days. It was adopted because people felt that "effect" wasn't strong enough, and they couldn't take the trouble to say "serious effect" or find a better word.
2007-12-02 04:27:56 · answer #1 · answered by Rich 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My guess is that those who use impact instead of effect, are unsure whether to use effect or affect, and find it easier to use impact, than to look up the proper usage.
2007-12-02 04:25:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a misuse of the word impact, probably done for effect.
2007-12-02 04:38:13 · answer #3 · answered by Beau R 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋