English grammar | confusing nouns Changes to the exam format could have a serious influence on candidates. [incorrect] Changes to the exam format could have a serious effect on candidates. [correct] It is difficult to assess the impact of the disaster on tourism. It is difficult to assess the extent of the disaster on tourism. An influence is something which causes people to think or behave in a different way: We need to learn more about the influence of violent computer games on young people . Our experiences have a huge influence on our personality . An effect is what happens to someone or something as a result of something else: Research has shown the harmful effects of stress on mothers and unborn babies . The new resort has had a beneficial effect on local businesses . [not effect to ] * Remember, effect is a noun. The verb form is affect: Homes on the west coast were seriously affected by the hurricane . An impact is a powerful effect of something,

As a tourist, you should show respect for local behaviour . [incorrect] As a tourist, you should show respect for local customs . [correct] They encourage the practice of teachers reading aloud to young children. [correct] They encourage the habit of teachers reading aloud to young children. [incorrect] A habit is something a person does regularly in a particular way as part of their everyday life, often without thinking about it: After a while, seperating rubbish for recycling just becomes a habit . People's habits have changed. Families no longer eat meals together . A custom is something people in a particular country or of a particular religious or ethnic group do because it has been part of their culture or way of life for many years: He studied Maori culture and customs . The custom of decorat ing a tree at Christmas goes back hundreds of years . A practice is a method of doing something which is usually used, especially in a particular country,

English Grammar | Verb Collocations They have made a lot of progress in improving working conditions. [correct] They have achieved a lot of progress in improving working conditions. [incorrect] Poor diet in childhood can have a long-term effect on health. [correct] Poor diet in childhood can leave a long-term effect on health. [incorrect] There are many common verb + noun combinations [colocations] in English: make progress : I think the team have made progress this season . make an impression : It is important to make a good first impression . make a difference : We believe we can make a difference to children's lives . make someone | something happy, comfortable, effective etc.: She made her mother very happy with her gift . They put a cushion on the chair to make it more comfortable . With a few changes they made the process much more efficient . have an effect : This incident will have a negative effect on tourism . have time : Retired