a motion to that effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a motion to that effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal contexts, such as legal or parliamentary discussions, to indicate a proposal or request that aligns with a previously mentioned idea or statement. Example: "The committee unanimously agreed to submit a motion to that effect during the next meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

They e-mailed Posner to say they had settled the case (though they have yet to submit a motion to that effect).

The New York Times

The company plans to file a motion to that effect within several days, according to a person briefed on the matter.

The New York Times

"However consensus is getting closer - and the margin of defeat tonight is closer on a couple of options - I think we need to try again later in the week". Plaid Cymru called for Article 50 to be revoked in the event of a no-deal becoming inevitable - a motion to that effect failed to pass.

BBC

The vice-president also faces an impeachment threat of his own after a motion to that effect was presented to the supreme court on Friday.

The Guardian

Mr. Gore's lawyers seized on the court's order that the counting began immediately, and by 7 p.m. had filed a motion to that effect with the Leon County Circuit Court, where the case originated.

The New York Times

A motion to that effect was voted down last year, after a majority of the NUS national executive council feared, as reported by one member, Daniel Cooper, that the gesture might appear Islamophobic.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Then after a few minutes delay, while the late delegates found their seats, Senator Fulton of Oregon made a motion to the effect that George H. Williams, the last surviving member of Grant's Cabinet, have a seat on the speaker's platform, and this was done.

The New York Times

Or David Cameron, though Jeremy Corbyn would probably sign a Commons motion to that effect.

The Guardian

Committee member Brett Eckles offered a substitute motion to that effect, though there was some confusion about whether he and fellow members could vote on the remaining suggestions if they decide to add nothing to the master plan.

Los Angeles Times

We wanted to set in motion something that effects the league when we are gone," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

For a motion that is to have this effect must be rapid and near, and that of the stars is rapid but distant, while that of the moon is near but slow, whereas the sun's motion combines both conditions in a sufficient degree.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a motion to that effect" in formal settings, such as board meetings or legal proceedings, when referring to a specific, previously discussed action.

Common error

Avoid using "a motion to that effect" in casual conversations; it is too formal and may sound unnatural. Opt for simpler language like "a suggestion" or "an idea" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a motion to that effect" functions as a noun phrase, specifically a prepositional phrase acting as a formal legal or procedural term. As shown in Ludwig, it denotes a formal proposal corresponding to a previously mentioned action or idea.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a motion to that effect" is a formal expression used to introduce a proposal aligning with a previous statement, primarily in formal and business domains. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While the phrase is uncommon, its use is valuable in creating clarity and indicating precise procedural steps. Remember to use it appropriately, particularly in official and structured discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a request to that effect

Directly asks for something aligned with a prior statement or objective.

a resolution to that end

Focuses on the desired outcome or objective, implying a formal decision.

a proposal for that purpose

Emphasizes the intent behind the suggestion, highlighting its aim.

an application to that effect

Highlights the request nature of the phrase, indicating a formal submission.

a submission for that reason

Emphasizes the justification or rationale behind the submission.

a recommendation accordingly

Highlights the advisory nature and its alignment with previous advice.

a suggestion to that aim

Indicates a less formal offering of an idea towards a specific goal.

a plea to that end

Conveys a sense of urgency or strong request for a specific outcome.

a decree to that result

Indicates a formal order or command intended to achieve a specific outcome.

an initiative with that intention

Highlights the proactive and purposeful nature of the action.

FAQs

How to use "a motion to that effect" in a sentence?

Use "a motion to that effect" to formally propose an action that aligns with a previously mentioned idea. For example, "After the presentation, the committee decided to submit "a motion to that effect" during the next meeting".

What can I say instead of "a motion to that effect"?

You can use alternatives like "a proposal to that effect", "a request to that effect", or "a resolution to that end" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a motion to that effect"?

It is appropriate in formal environments like legal, parliamentary, or business meetings when you need to refer to a formal proposal or action that corresponds to something previously stated or agreed upon.

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

"A motion to that effect" implies a formal proposal for action, whereas "a statement to that effect" simply confirms or clarifies something without necessarily calling for action.