a note to that effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression 'a note to that effect' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize a point or draw attention to something previously stated. For example, "I had made it clear in the meeting that everyone should be punctual. I left a note to that effect on the whiteboard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The hospital acquiesced, and put a note to that effect on the baby's file.

The Guardian - Books

Getting a note to that effect, however, would probably not inspire me to do better next time.

The New York Times

"Dear Ms So-and-So, we're delighted to grant you permission to use our mark on your website; would you please add a note to that effect?" attains exactly the same legal protection from dilution and genericisation as a legal threat.

The Guardian - Tech

If I fully intended to meet you for lunch, made a note to that effect in my diary, and then was distracted at the crucial time – with the result that I forgot about the appointment – then you may be irritated with me, but you can't blame me in a morally significant way.

The New York Times

So I made it in all sincerity in those terms, but now people make it sound like a sort of shifting circus.' Anyway, if you agree with Wallinger that the statue should stay, write a note to that effect in the visitors' book in Canada House or write to Sir John Mortimer c/o the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2-4 CockStreettreet, London SWlY FDH or e-mail www.sculpture.org.uk/fourthplinth.uk/fourthplinth

The Guardian

Reminding them that any verdict had to be one on which at least 10 agreed, he said: "If after further consideration you find yourselves in a position that you are simply not able to agree, no matter how much longer you continue to debate and that's going to remain the position then you must, of course, have the courage to say so by your foreman sending me a note to that effect".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

That is, one won't have identified the real underlying cause why a figure has a property if it belongs to some larger class of figures that have the property, unless one demonstrates that this larger class has it, and then appends, as it were, a note to the effect that the figure falls within the larger class.

SEP

On one page the reader comes across a note to the effect that in 1966, "London hosted the Destruction in Art Symposium, organised by Gustav Metzger.

The Guardian - Books

He sent this [the King] straight across to Uncle Edward with a note to the effect that there was the reason and there was no need for him to try and think of anything".

BBC

For each patient routed to an evening clinic, time was consumed by staff having to provide detailed instructions on how to walk to the evening clinics, provide the appropriate directional pamphlets and also a note to the effect that they have been so routed.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

I sent a sarcastic note to that effect.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a note to that effect" when you want to indicate that something has been officially recorded or communicated in writing, often to reinforce a prior agreement or instruction.

Common error

Avoid using "a note to that effect" in very informal contexts (e.g., casual conversation). It implies a degree of formality and documentation that may be inappropriate in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a note to that effect" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating that something was recorded or communicated in writing in accordance with a preceding statement or intention. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a note to that effect" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase, as supported by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with some usage in scientific and formal settings. It is used to indicate a written record or confirmation aligning with a previous statement or intention. While it carries a neutral to somewhat formal tone, writers should avoid using it in casual, informal contexts. Consider alternatives like "a written indication" or "a memorandum" depending on the degree of formality required. The phrase serves to provide documentation, reinforce clarity, and ensure a shared understanding of recorded agreements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a memorandum to that effect

Replaces "note" with "memorandum", implying a more formal written communication.

a written indication to that effect

Substitutes "note" with a more descriptive phrase, specifying the written nature of the communication.

a record to that effect

Replaces "note" with "record", suggesting a more permanent or official documentation.

an annotation to that effect

Uses "annotation" instead of "note", implying a brief explanatory comment or addition.

a notation to that effect

Replaces "note" with "notation", indicating a brief record or entry.

a comment to that effect

Uses "comment" in place of "note", suggesting a remark or observation.

a statement to that effect

Replaces "note" with "statement", implying a more formal or explicit declaration.

a message to that effect

Substitutes "note" with "message", a broader term for any form of communication.

a reminder to that effect

Uses "reminder" instead of "note", suggesting the purpose of the communication is to jog someone's memory.

a confirmation to that effect

Replaces "note" with "confirmation", indicating that the communication serves to verify something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a note to that effect" to indicate that a written record or communication confirms something previously mentioned. For example, "After the agreement, the lawyer added "a clause to that effect" in the contract".

What's a simpler way to say "a note to that effect"?

While "a note to that effect" is concise, you could rephrase it depending on the specific context. Alternatives include "a written confirmation", "a formal record", or simply "it was noted".

What does "to that effect" mean?

"To that effect" means having the same general meaning or intention. So, "a note to that effect" signifies a written communication confirming or documenting a previous statement or agreement.

Is there a difference between "a note to that effect" and "a note to the effect that"?

While similar, "a note to the effect that" is often followed by a more direct quotation or summary of what was written, whereas "a note to that effect" is a more general reference to a prior statement. For example: "The file contained "a note to the effect that" the patient was allergic to penicillin".