a monumental effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a monumental effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an impact or influence that is significant or of great importance. Example: "The new policy had a monumental effect on the community, transforming lives and improving overall well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It has a monumental effect on people's lives".

The Guardian

Jason Koumas's decision to reject a move to West Brom to stay at Tranmere Rovers may not have such a monumental effect on the history of mankind, but it has left Albion chairman Paul Thompson a bit peeved.

The Guardian - Sport

The combination of Amnesia's beautiful setting--a club on a farm miles from anywhere--a couple of pills, and a little-known expat Argentinean DJ called Alfredo had such a monumental effect on these four friends that they made it their mission to bring this cult of music and clubbing back home to convert first their friends, and eventually the rest of the UK.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Most advertising copy skimps on exterior design, but "The New York American Fall Renting Guide to High Class Apartments" from about 1914 praised the Lucania, "standing high above a double row of private dwellings," with "dignity and sobriety — a real monumental effect".

The New York Times

Reversal of intervertebral disc degeneration can have a potentially monumental effect on spinal health.

Materials Science and Engineering: C

There are also special versions of the squatting figure that seem to belong especially to important magical crafts, such as the Javanese kris handle, on which miniature carvings can give an extraordinarily monumental effect.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The final sections are devoted to Mr. Zec's latest figure paintings, in many of which the subjects' faces are only partially shown, indistinct or hidden; and studies of draperies, pillows and unmade beds with crumpled linen, the thickly applied white oil impasto lending them a sculptural, almost monumental effect.

The New York Times - Arts

The wall is used to monumental effect: a sinister class barrier in Act 1, it becomes a portal into the industrial hell of Act 2, where Giselle and the ghosts of other betrayed women dance vengeance on their men.

The Guardian

When Rosa Parks sat on that bus on December 1 , 1955in Montgomery, Alabama and refused to give up her seat to a white commuter, she had no idea that her simple act of defiance in the face of discrimination was going to trigger a monumental butterfly effect.

Huffington Post

The authors have achieved such a mastery of truism that they sometimes achieve the same monumental effect even in non-magnitudinous statements, as: "Table 28-1 shows that the proportion of parents who indicated that their children will attend private colleges is approximately twice as large for those with incomes over $10,000 as for those with incomes under $3,000".

The New Yorker

Landscapes, interiors, portraits, and abstract nocturnes — all painted from memory — deploy layered, tiny, sensitive strokes to peculiarly monumental effect.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a monumental effect", consider the context to ensure the magnitude of the impact genuinely warrants such a strong descriptor. Reserve it for situations where the consequences are truly significant and far-reaching.

Common error

Avoid using "a monumental effect" when a more moderate descriptor would suffice. Overusing such strong language can dilute its impact and credibility, making your writing seem hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a monumental effect" functions as a noun phrase that acts as the object of a verb, typically describing the consequence or outcome of an action or event. It emphasizes the significance and scale of the effect, as evidenced by the examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a monumental effect" is a phrase used to describe a significant and far-reaching impact. While grammatically correct, Ludwig identifies it as a relatively rare expression. Its primary function is to emphasize the magnitude of an effect, making it suitable for contexts where the consequences are truly noteworthy. The phrase is generally appropriate for news, scientific, and encyclopedic content, but should be used judiciously to avoid overstatement. Consider alternatives like "a substantial effect" or "a significant impact" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial effect

Replaces "monumental" with "substantial", indicating a considerable impact but with a slightly less dramatic tone.

a significant impact

Uses "impact" instead of "effect", and "significant" instead of "monumental", to indicate an important influence.

a profound effect

Replaces "monumental" with "profound", suggesting a deep and far-reaching influence.

a considerable influence

Substitutes both "effect" and "monumental", indicating a noteworthy degree of impact.

a tremendous impact

Uses "tremendous" in place of "monumental", suggesting a very large or powerful effect.

a massive impact

Employs "massive" to convey the large scale of the effect, similar to "monumental".

a gigantic influence

Uses "gigantic" to amplify the scale of influence, implying great size and impact.

a far-reaching consequence

Replaces "effect" with "consequence" and uses "far-reaching" to describe the scope.

a sweeping change

Focuses on the transformative aspect of the effect, highlighting the breadth and scope of the alteration.

a game-changing result

Highlights the transformative nature of the effect, indicating it fundamentally alters the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "a monumental effect" in a sentence?

Use "a monumental effect" to describe a situation where the outcome or consequence is significant. For example, "The policy change had "a monumental effect" on the company's profits."

What are some alternatives to "a monumental effect"?

Alternatives include "a substantial effect", "a significant impact", or "a profound effect" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "a monumental effect" formal or informal?

"A monumental effect" is generally considered neutral to formal. It is suitable for news articles, academic papers, and professional documents. You might consider alternatives like "a big impact" for more informal contexts.

What's the difference between "a monumental effect" and "a significant effect"?

"A monumental effect" implies a greater magnitude of impact than "a significant effect". While both suggest importance, "monumental" suggests something truly exceptional and far-reaching.