To good effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "To good effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something has been done successfully or has produced a positive result. Example: "The team implemented the new strategy to good effect, resulting in increased sales and customer satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And to good effect.

The Guardian

He cyber heckles to good effect too.

The Guardian - Opinion

James Lowe conducted to good effect.

The New York Times - Arts

Does she use history to good effect?

The New York Times - Books

And all the while she studied, to good effect.

The Guardian - Opinion

Louis-Dreyfus stressed both "busting" and "fucking" to good effect.

The New Yorker

The tenor Evgeny Akimov sang to good effect both nights.

The New York Times - Arts

Handed carte blanche, Patience filled it to good effect.

The Guardian

Both men resorted to props, to good effect.

The New York Times

He is certainly deploying it to good effect so far.

The Guardian - Sport

Gati quotes the inflammatory broadcast transcripts to good effect.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to good effect" to emphasize that a particular method, strategy, or action led to a positive and noticeable result. For clarity, ensure the sentence clearly indicates what was used "to good effect."

Common error

Avoid using "to good effect" when the positive outcome is vague or not directly attributable to the action being described. The connection between the action and its beneficial result should be clear and demonstrable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to good effect" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the successful or beneficial outcome of an action or method. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to good effect" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate the successful or beneficial application of a method or tool. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, classifying it as a neutral expression suitable for various contexts. Examples from authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times showcase its frequent use in news and media, while also appearing in scientific and formal business contexts. Alternatives such as "effectively" or "successfully" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Understanding the appropriate use and context of "to good effect" can significantly enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Effectively

This suggests that something was done in a manner that achieved the desired result.

To beneficial effect

Highlights the positive and helpful impact of something.

Successfully

This is a concise adverb that directly indicates a favorable outcome.

With positive results

This alternative focuses on the outcome or consequence of an action.

To a positive outcome

This alternative highlights the result of an action, focusing on its positivity.

With favorable results

Indicates that the results were positive and well-received.

To a successful end

Emphasizes the successful completion or resolution of a task or event.

To advantageous results

Implies that the results provided an advantage or benefit.

With fruitful consequences

Highlights the beneficial or productive nature of the results.

With notable success

This alternative stresses the magnitude or importance of the success achieved.

FAQs

How can I use "to good effect" in a sentence?

Use "to good effect" to indicate that something was used or implemented successfully. For example, "The team used the new marketing strategy "to good effect", resulting in increased sales."

What are some alternatives to "to good effect"?

Alternatives include "effectively", "successfully", or "with positive results". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "to good effect" or "with good effect"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "to good effect" is more common. "With good effect" is less frequently used but still understandable.

Can "to good effect" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "to good effect" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and concise way to indicate that something has been used successfully, as evidenced by its presence in reputable news and academic publications.