The Copyeditor's Desk

The jargony use of the noun impact and the verb to impact is almost as commonplace as the loathsome perversion of multiple. Careless use of this word sets my editorial teeth on edge.

Impact has become another mush-word: a sloppy term so overused it has pretty well lost its meaning. This kind of lazy word usage is to be avoided. Decide what you really mean, for hevvinsake, and say it! Here are some real words to choose from:

For the noun impact:

aftereffect
consequence
effect
fruit
importance
impression
influence
manifestation
legacy
outcome
outgrowth
payoff
persuasion
product
reaction
repercussion
result
sequel
significance
spin-off

For the verb to impact:

to affect
to bear on
to cause
to determine
to dominate
to force
to govern
to have the effect of
to imbue
to impress
to induce
to influence
to manifest
to militate
to mitigate
to operate on
to persuade
to seize
to sway
to touch
Garrrrrr! Take the marbles out of your mouth and say what you mean!