What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
impacting
Example
The new policy is impacting the company's profits. [impacting: verb]
Example
The hurricane is impacting the coastal communities. [impacting: present participle]
affecting
Example
The economic downturn is affecting the job market. [affecting: verb]
Example
The news of the tragedy is affecting the community deeply. [affecting: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Affecting is more commonly used than impacting in everyday language and is widely accepted in both formal and informal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between impacting and affecting?
Impacting is more formal and technical than affecting, which is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.