a comment to that effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a comment to that effect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a statement or remark that conveys a similar meaning or sentiment as previously mentioned. Example: "During the meeting, she made a comment to that effect, emphasizing the importance of teamwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The trial court made a comment to that effect, but the real message is worse.

Huffington Post

One reader recently posted a comment to that effect, yearning for tips on how to lead a greener life.

Huffington Post

For cases in which all combinations were not created, a comment to that effect was included in the Gene Model Comment section of the gene report.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I READ somewhere a comment to the effect that this year people at SXSW had finally grasped that "business gets done at parties".

The Economist

MISHAN: In one of the sections, there's a comment to the effect that the girls most complicit in the system don't even know that the system exists, which seems to be a clear reference to Lily.

The New Yorker

Gambling is so entrenched in the sport that a 2013 review of Muay Thai becoming an Olympic event included a comment to the effect that while the sport had become popular worldwide, its lack of proper systems for doping control and the conflict of interests deeply embedded in the industry meant that it was unlikely anyone would win a gold anytime soon.

Vice

Gov. George W. Bush of Texas, the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination, had no comment yesterday, but in a television interview on Sunday he agreed with an earlier comment to that effect by Justice Thomas.

The New York Times

This was largely accounted for by the 38.7% of candidates who failed to confirm the content of the saline flush with a second person or comment to that effect before flushing the cannula.

BMC Medical Education

I made a comment to this effect, and she nodded.

HuffPost

The student allegedly made a comment to the effect of "he looks like the next school shooter, doesn't he?" which prompted the complaint.

Huffington Post

If not, a comment to this effect might be worth introducing in their manuscript.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a comment to that effect" when you want to indicate that you are paraphrasing or summarizing a previous statement, rather than quoting it directly. This avoids misrepresentation of the original speaker's words.

Common error

While acceptable, relying heavily on "a comment to that effect" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using more specific synonyms like "a similar statement" or "words to that effect" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a comment to that effect" functions as a discourse marker, signaling that the speaker is summarizing or paraphrasing a previous statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and serves to connect ideas within a conversation or text.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a comment to that effect" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that a statement is a paraphrase or summary of a previous remark. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is versatile and appears frequently in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts. While acceptable in various settings, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing to avoid repetitiveness. Remember to use this phrase when you want to convey the general idea without claiming precise recall.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a remark along those lines

Focuses on a similar direction or theme in the statement.

a statement to that end

Highlights that the statement aims towards a specific purpose or result.

words to that effect

Emphasizes the overall message rather than the precise wording.

something of that nature

Suggests the statement relates to a particular kind or character.

an observation in that vein

Highlights the statement as an observation aligned with a particular train of thought.

a sentiment to that degree

Focuses on the intensity or strength of feeling expressed.

a note to that purpose

Highlights the intention of the statement.

a reflection on that matter

Points out the statement as a considered thought on a specific issue.

an assertion to that idea

Highlights the confident and forceful declaration of the idea.

a pronouncement to that essence

Focuses on the core meaning or substance of the statement.

FAQs

How can I use "a comment to that effect" in a sentence?

You can use "a comment to that effect" to refer to a statement that conveys a similar meaning to a previously mentioned idea. For example, "She didn't explicitly agree, but she made "a comment to that effect"".

What's a more formal alternative to "a comment to that effect"?

In formal writing, you might prefer alternatives such as "a statement to that end" or "a remark along those lines" to maintain a professional tone. These options offer a more refined way to express a similar sentiment.

Is it okay to use "a comment to that effect" if I don't remember the exact wording?

Yes, "a comment to that effect" is appropriate when you want to convey the general idea of what was said without claiming to recall the precise words. It indicates that you are providing a paraphrase rather than a direct quotation.

What is the difference between "a comment to that effect" and "words to that effect"?

"A comment to that effect" refers to a specific remark, while "words to that effect" is a broader term that can refer to a more general expression of an idea. For example, instead of "a comment to that effect", you could say the person expressed "words to that effect".