Grammar fix

have an impact

affect

to strongly influence or change someone or something

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

Social media can have an impact on how people feel about themselves.daily life
In my opinion, teachers have an impact on students’ motivation and future success.IELTS speaking

Pattern: have an impact (on someone/something)

WrongIt had a big impact in my life.

RightIt had a big impact on my life.

'Have an impact ON' something, not 'in'.

Patternhave an impact (on someone/something)

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Social media exerts a considerable influence upon adolescents.

Natural Social media has a big impact on teenagers.

'Have an impact on' is the natural collocation; 'exerts a considerable influence upon' is heavy.

Words that usually travel with it.

have an impact on
on the economya huge impacta lasting impacton people's lives

Similar to 'affect', but 'have an impact' is often used for stronger or more noticeable effects.