make a difference — have an effect
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
To have a noticeable effect or influence on a situation, person, or outcome, usually in a positive way.
Say it like a native
Textbook Volunteering can exert a meaningful positive impact.
Native Volunteering can really make a difference.
'Make a difference' is natural; 'exert a meaningful positive impact' is corporate.
Pattern: make a difference (to/in [something/someone])
In use
- 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
Common mistake
✗ I want to do a difference in the world.
✓ I want to make a difference in the world.
You MAKE a difference — not 'do' one.
Common collocations
make a difference— a real, in, to, want to
Don't confuse it
Not the same as 'make a change,' which means to do something differently, not necessarily to have an effect.