Anyone else impacted by this?

[ItsFineReally]

Has anyone else noticed the creeping invasion of “impacted” instead of “affected”?

Someone pointed it out to me recently and now I can’t unsee it. It's everywhere. Especially in workplace emails (“teams impacted by the transition”…), but it’s also wormed its way into supposedly professional journalism. The BBC is now earnestly discussing who is “impacted” by decisions, as if we’re all wisdom teeth.

Anyway, since it’s been bugging me, I thought I’d share. Consider yourself linguistically cursed – you’ll start spotting it in every weekend article and family WhatsApp thread. You're welcome.

I don’t mind “impacted.” It has a positive connotation in the context that I see it used in and “affected” wouldn’t work in the same way.

Probably invented by someone that didn't know the difference between affected and effected so went with a different word 😂

@Ancasta It has a positive connotation in the context that I see it used

How do you mean?

Yes, it's been going on for years. Its use seems to be embedded now, and as you say, by people and organisations that should know better. I detest it.

Wish they hadn't removed the laughing emoji

I work in HE and see it used as a way to describe a positive impact on students as a result of policy, initiatives etc

The worst thing is I've definitely used it myself. Especially in work, like a basic corporate wanker.

I’ve always vaguely assumed this, though I don’t much mind ‘had an impact on’ or ‘impacted upon’ — I get irritated by ‘It impacted me’.

Or someone who?

I think that’s exactly why people use it.

The one that I’m noticing more and more is “by accident”. Didn’t we used to say “accidentally”?

I could be mildly or strongly affected. However, impacted tells you that the effect is a strong and definite one.

Impacted is for teeth and severe constipation.

I would assume this too.

“By accident” I can accept. “On accident“, however, is a crime.

I pushed at work for impact to be replaced with affect and effect, and they agreed with me.

Many don't understand the difference between affect and effect.