David Williams (asker) Mar 16, 2009:

Let's try that again! Or it can, on its own, be entirely neutral. e.g. - The impact the news had was incredible! (Could be good or bad, depending on what the news was and what effect it had.)

David Williams (asker) Mar 16, 2009:

Or it ca, on its own, be entirely neutral. e.g. The impact the new had was incredible! (Could be good or bad, depending on what the news was and what effect it had.)

David Williams (asker) Mar 16, 2009:

I think "making an impact" is generally a good thing, but "having an impact" is (or tends to be) more negative. It all depends on the context though.

David Williams (asker) Mar 16, 2009:

OK, you could. How about another example The impact of the news was palpable.

Cetacea Mar 16, 2009:

You have point there David. Even though I'd probably use "devastated" instead in your context... ;-)

David Williams (asker) Mar 16, 2009:

I was thinking along the lines of The current economic climate has had a major impact on our cashflow situation.

Cetacea Mar 16, 2009:

I consider "eingreifen" to be pretty neutral, but even if it weren't, I still think what is meant is "greifen" rather than "eingreifen". And while "impact" can have a negative connotation, having an impact is mostly considered to be a good thing nowadays.

David Williams (asker) Mar 16, 2009:

True, good point.

Anne Schulz Mar 16, 2009:

"take effect" - make that an answer, Cetacea!

Stephen Gobin Mar 16, 2009:

"Eingreifen" can be negative as well.

David Williams (asker) Mar 16, 2009:

Although "impacts" probably has an equally negative connotation, doesn't it?

Cetacea Mar 16, 2009:

I think that brings the meaning across very nicely. I prefer it to Stephen's "affect", since IMO, "affect" primarily has a negative connotation, which is certainly not wanted here.

David Williams (asker) Mar 16, 2009:

Yes, you could have a point So far, I've written: The innovative potential of this project impacts the system in several ways. What do you think?

Cetacea Mar 16, 2009:

Maybe they mean "greifen" rather than "eingreifen"? "Greifen" in the figurative sense of "take effect".