SpeakUp

Grammar fix

make a difference

have an effect

To have a noticeable effect or influence on a situation, person, or outcome, usually in a positive way.

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • Volunteering at the animal shelter really made a difference to the lives of the dogs there.daily life
  • In my opinion, even small actions like turning off lights can make a difference when it comes to saving energy.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: make a difference (to/in [something/someone])

WrongI want to do a difference in the world.

RightI want to make a difference in the world.

You MAKE a difference — not 'do' one.

Patternmake a difference (to/in [something/someone])

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Volunteering can exert a meaningful positive impact.

Natural Volunteering can really make a difference.

'Make a difference' is natural; 'exert a meaningful positive impact' is corporate.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • make a difference
    a realintowant to

Don't confuse it

Not the same as 'make a change,' which means to do something differently, not necessarily to have an effect.

Try it in Daily Speak →