a declaration to the effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a declaration to the effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a statement or announcement that conveys a particular meaning or intention. Example: "The committee issued a declaration to the effect that all members must adhere to the new guidelines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The junta had agreed to speed up releases if Kozak was willing to sign a declaration to the effect that there were no longer any political detainees left.

The Guardian

In 1943, in Moscow, the Allies had signed a declaration to the effect that Austria was not a Nazi state but Nazism's first victim, and after the war this was how Austria chose to see itself.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The law stipulates that candidates must also "submit a self declaration to the effect that he has a functional toilet at his place of residence".

Independent

It is an easier matter by far to issue a ministerial declaration to the effect that such measures are lawful.

The Guardian

When Canning entered office, the King, hitherto content with privately instructing his ministers on the Catholic Question, thought it fit to make a public declaration to the effect that his sentiments on the question were those of his revered father, George III.

Wikipedia

Under article 36 of the court's statute, any state may consent to the court's compulsory jurisdiction in advance by filing a declaration to that effect with the UN secretary-general, and by 2000 more than 60 countries had issued such a declaration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Greece won't officially be in default until the IMF issues a declaration to that effect.

Los Angeles Times

"The Contender" is so insistent on portraying Hanson as a sexual being that it later gives her an extremely silly and sexist declaration to the effect that a female president who isn't having sex regularly had better not have her finger anywhere near the nuclear trigger.

The New York Times

The government is required to make a declaration to that effect when it introduces new laws.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This requires not merely a declaration to that effect, but its embodiment in a full-blown constitution that sets out the entrenched and unalterable competences and responsibilities of the member states of the Union - the very reverse of what is contained in the anti-constitutional Lisbon treaty.

BBC

Furthermore, a declaration to the Commission Nationale de l'Informatique et des Libertés (CNIL) was done (declaration number: 1880024).

Annals of Intensive Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a declaration to the effect" to introduce a summarized or paraphrased version of a formal statement. This avoids direct quotation while accurately conveying the core message.

Common error

Avoid using "a declaration to the effect" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler, more direct alternatives like "said that" or "stated" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a declaration to the effect" functions as a transitional phrase that introduces a summary or paraphrase of a formal statement or announcement. It signals that the following words will convey the essence of the original declaration without necessarily quoting it verbatim. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a declaration to the effect" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to introduce a summarized or paraphrased version of a formal statement. While versatile, it's best suited for formal contexts, as Ludwig AI highlights. Alternatives like "a statement to that end" or "an announcement conveying that" can provide similar meaning with slight shifts in emphasis. When writing, consider whether a direct quote is necessary, or if summarizing with this phrase is sufficient to convey the intended message accurately. Understanding common errors, like overuse in informal settings, helps ensure clarity and appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a statement to that end

Refers to a formal assertion directed toward a particular goal or conclusion.

an announcement conveying that

Highlights the act of publicly communicating a specific piece of information.

a proclamation indicating that

Suggests a formal public declaration or official announcement of something.

a notice confirming that

Emphasizes the act of officially verifying or validating a particular fact or event.

a resolution stipulating that

Indicates a formal decision or agreement specifying certain conditions or requirements.

a formal affirmation stating that

Implies a solemn and official declaration or confirmation of something.

an official avowal indicating that

Refers to an open declaration or admission, often of beliefs or principles.

a pronouncement asserting that

Emphasizes the act of formally and authoritatively declaring something to be the case.

an undertaking guaranteeing that

Highlights a formal pledge or commitment ensuring a specific outcome or condition.

a certification verifying that

Suggests a formal document or statement confirming the accuracy or validity of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a declaration to the effect" in a sentence?

You can use "a declaration to the effect" to introduce a summary of a formal statement. For example, "The company issued "a declaration to the effect" that they would be increasing employee benefits."

What are some alternatives to "a declaration to the effect"?

Alternatives include "a statement to that end", "an announcement conveying that", or "a proclamation indicating that", depending on the specific context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is it better to directly quote or use "a declaration to the effect"?

Using "a declaration to the effect" is suitable when you want to summarize the main point of a statement without providing a verbatim quote. If the exact wording is crucial, a direct quote is more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a declaration to the effect" and "a statement indicating that"?

"A declaration to the effect" implies a more formal and often official announcement, while "a statement indicating that" can refer to a broader range of communications, including informal ones.