a permanent effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a permanent effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the lasting impact or influence of an action, event, or condition. Example: "The medication had a permanent effect on her health, improving her quality of life significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

THAT a gestating mother's environment can have a permanent effect on the physiology of her offspring is well established.

The Economist

Even if they do not, the cuts, while temporary, will have a permanent effect by costing many workers years of future compounding on the missed contributions.

The New York Times

Years later, in his journal, Kerouac would wonder if his mother had been right to ask if the accident had had a permanent effect on his head.

The New Yorker

Regardless of whether the performance is great or beastly, it may have a permanent effect on the way the character lingers in your mind.

The New York Times

"Large size gives you a fantastic number of hurdles" that natural selection must overcome before producing a permanent effect on the species, Bonner says.

Princeton University

His administrative reforms left an enduring mark on the Chinese state, and his exclusive recognition of Confucianism had a permanent effect on subsequent East Asian history.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An important insight is that the blueprints that were designed to reduce oil consumption are likely to have a permanent effect in most of the countries.

Energy Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

For a more permanent effect, ask an adult to hot glue the ears to the headband, but make sure you use sturdier paper (ex: cardboard) if you're planning to glue them on.

WikiHow

Several consuming nations might welcome such deals which would bypass the American oil companies, a step that might have a large permanent effect on the structure of the oil industry.

The Economist

But now it appears that the medications are associated with a more permanent effect.

Harvard University

However, only the latter seems to have a more permanent effect on the position of the Beveridge curve.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a permanent effect", ensure the context clearly indicates the scope and nature of the lasting impact. Be specific about what is permanently affected.

Common error

Avoid using "a permanent effect" when the impact is likely to diminish or change over time. Use more nuanced language if the effect is significant but not necessarily irreversible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a permanent effect" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or following a preposition. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its role in various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a permanent effect" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a lasting impact or consequence. According to Ludwig, it is widely used across diverse fields like science, news, and encyclopedias. While the phrase is generally appropriate, it's crucial to ensure that the described effect is genuinely long-lasting and irreversible. Remember to consider alternative phrases like "a lasting consequence" or "an enduring impact" to fine-tune your message for accuracy and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lasting consequence

Replaces "effect" with "consequence", emphasizing the result of an action or event.

an enduring impact

Substitutes "permanent" with "enduring" and "effect" with "impact", highlighting the long-lasting influence.

a long-term result

Replaces "permanent" with "long-term" and "effect" with "result", focusing on the extended duration of the outcome.

an irreversible change

Emphasizes the inability to revert the change, adding a sense of finality.

a persistent influence

Highlights the continuing nature of the influence or effect.

a fixed alteration

Focuses on the unchangeable nature of the alteration.

a lasting alteration

Replaces "permanent" with "lasting" and "effect" with "alteration", focusing on an impactful change.

an indelible mark

Uses a more figurative expression to convey the idea of something that cannot be erased.

a sustained effect

Implies that the effect is not only permanent but also actively maintained over time.

a conclusive outcome

Replaces "permanent" with "conclusive" and "effect" with "outcome", focusing on final and definite outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "a permanent effect" to describe lasting changes or impacts. For example: "The environmental damage caused by the oil spill had "a permanent effect" on the marine ecosystem."

What are some alternatives to saying "a permanent effect"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a lasting consequence", "an enduring impact", or "a long-term result", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "a permanent effect" and "a temporary effect"?

Yes, "a permanent effect" describes something that lasts indefinitely, while "a temporary effect" is something that is only present for a limited time.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a permanent effect"?

It is appropriate when describing an impact that is irreversible or expected to last for a very long time. Consider the specific context and whether the impact truly warrants the term "permanent".