a message to this effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a message to this effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a communication that conveys a particular meaning or sentiment. Example: "The committee sent out a message to this effect, clarifying their stance on the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But senior officials are chatting to the press about their desire to end the Iranian estrangement: a message to this effect has reportedly been conveyed to Tehran by way of a Saudi courier.

The Economist

Day and Hooper were despatched to Cape Evans with a message to this effect for Simpson, who had been left in charge there.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

If the certificate is not accepted, the user gets a message to that effect – you have probably seen examples.

The Guardian - Tech

Both Khamenei and the parliament have sent clear messages to this effect.

Huffington Post

In effect, she had become a message to her people: Flee, or else.

The New York Times

Russia alone has had the wisdom to support dialogue and give a strong message to that effect when Syrian oppositionists visited Moscow.

The Guardian - Opinion

I sent my new spiritual adviser a private message to the effect that I was going to need to think very heavily on these matters.

HuffPost

He found they were registered to a company, Hundley said, and left a voice-mail message to that effect.

The Washington Post

Yehoshua, who is near 70 and a dove, has written a novel that incarnates the message to extraordinary literary effect.

The New York Times - Books

I will be attending future seminars because I believe in the power of Brendon's message to effect change in individual lives and in the world.

Huffington Post

E-mail messages to that effect, he said, were a "poor effort to get Armstrong's attention".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a message to this effect" when you want to indicate that a communication conveyed a particular idea or sentiment without repeating the exact words.

Common error

Avoid using "a message to this effect" in very informal settings, as it can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "they said that" or "they hinted at it."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a message to this effect" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to indicate that a communication conveyed a specific idea or sentiment without necessarily repeating the exact wording. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a message to this effect" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that a communication has conveyed a particular sentiment or idea, without necessarily replicating the precise wording. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across news articles, scientific documents, and general writing. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When using it, consider the level of formality required in your writing, and remember that alternative phrases like "a communication indicating this" can provide a more direct approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a communication indicating this

More formal and emphasizes the act of communicating the information.

an announcement along these lines

Highlights the public and formal nature of the information being conveyed.

a statement reflecting this idea

Focuses on the content of the message as a reflection of a particular thought or concept.

an indication with similar meaning

Emphasizes the implied or indirect nature of the communication.

a signal suggesting this point

Highlights the subtle or suggestive quality of the message.

words to that general idea

More informal and suggests a less precise communication of the concept.

information conveying that sentiment

Focuses on the feeling or attitude communicated.

a note suggesting as much

Emphasizes the brevity and implicitness of the message.

an implication to that end

Highlights the inferred consequence or result of the message.

a hint along those lines

Focuses on the indirect and subtle nature of the communication.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a message to this effect"?

You can use alternatives such as "a communication indicating this", "an announcement along these lines", or "a statement reflecting this idea" depending on the context.

Is "a message to this effect" formal or informal?

The phrase "a message to this effect" tends to lean towards the formal side, making it suitable for news articles, reports, or business correspondence. For more casual conversations, consider using a more direct alternative.

What does it mean to say "a message to this effect"?

It means that someone communicated an idea or sentiment without necessarily using those exact words. It's used to summarize or paraphrase a message.

When is it appropriate to use "a message to this effect" in writing?

It is appropriate when you want to convey the general idea of a message without quoting it verbatim. Use it when the specific wording isn't as important as the overall sentiment.