a regressive effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a regressive effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an outcome or impact that leads to a decline or reversal in progress or development. Example: "The new policy has had a regressive effect on the community, hindering advancements in education and healthcare."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Putting a price on carbon is likely to have a regressive effect, considered by itself.

University of California, Berkeley

However, with his tax cuts applying to all earners, no matter how wealthy, they would have a regressive effect.

The Guardian

In developing countries, tax systems often have a regressive effect because they tend to rely heavily on consumption taxes, like VAT and excise duty, or on import levies.

The Guardian

In the eyes of many, the UCLA dynastic period probably had a regressive effect on the game's growth; a sport with such high predictability lost some of its attractiveness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Moreover, any regressive effect of the tax rise on drink can be offset with more generous benefits in some other area.Deck the halls, not each otherThe evidence backing higher prices on booze is strong.

The Economist

It is a species of open-access policy that has an unintended regressive effect.

University of Chicago

The government stated that any reform to the current system should avoid any regressive effects and other possible unfair situations between products of different price ranges [ 71].

BMC Public Health

Separately, research by economists and experts at the Women's Budget Group finds that policies planned by the government for 2015-20 will have an even more regressive effect than those of the 2010-15 parliament, hitting lone parents and single female pensioners hardest.

The Guardian

The car-tax repeal remains quite popular despite its clearly regressive effect.

The New York Times

The proposed cap will also produce disturbing regressive effect: it will disproportionately tax middle class and low-income victims by reducing their total recovery amounts at a much higher rate relative to medical malpractice victims with high-paying jobs (who will receive much higher amounts of compensation for their economic losses).

Harvard University

This regressive effect will be further exacerbated by the fact that middle-class and low-income patients are also more likely to become victims of medical malpractice than wealthy patients, given that wealthy patients purchase for themselves and for their families better medical care.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a regressive effect", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being regressed upon. Be specific about the area experiencing decline, such as economic equality or social progress.

Common error

Avoid using "a regressive effect" without providing sufficient context. Ensure your readers understand the baseline from which the regression is occurring. For example, instead of saying "The policy had a regressive effect", specify "The policy had a regressive effect on income equality".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a regressive effect" functions as a noun phrase, where "regressive" is an adjective modifying the noun "effect". Based on the Ludwig AI analysis and examples, it typically describes the negative impact or outcome of a policy or situation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a regressive effect" is a phrase used to describe a negative or unfavorable consequence, particularly one that disproportionately affects disadvantaged groups. Ludwig's analysis indicates it's grammatically correct but relatively rare, appearing mainly in news, academic and scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's essential to provide clear context when using this phrase to ensure the audience understands the specific area experiencing decline. When striving for clarity and precision, consider alternatives like "a detrimental impact" or "an adverse outcome" to best convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a detrimental impact

Replaces "effect" with "impact", emphasizing the force of the negative consequence.

an adverse outcome

Substitutes "regressive" with "adverse" and "effect" with "outcome", focusing on the unfavorable result.

a negative consequence

Replaces "regressive" with "negative" and "effect" with "consequence", using more general terms.

a backward step

Offers a more direct and less formal way of expressing the idea of regression.

a downward spiral

Suggests a continuous and worsening decline, implying a strong negative effect.

a setback for progress

Emphasizes the hindrance to advancement caused by the regressive effect.

a counterproductive result

Highlights that the effect works against the intended purpose or goal.

an unintended negative consequence

Adds the aspect of unintendedness to the negative outcome.

a damaging repercussion

Uses "damaging repercussion" to highlight the harmful nature of the effect.

a step in the wrong direction

Uses a common idiom to describe the effect as movement away from a desired goal.

FAQs

What does "a regressive effect" mean?

The phrase "a regressive effect" describes a situation where something causes a decline or reversal, often worsening an existing condition or disparity. It's commonly used in economics and social sciences to describe policies or actions that disproportionately harm disadvantaged groups.

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

You can use "a regressive effect" to describe the negative consequences of a particular action or policy. For example, "The new tax law had "a regressive effect" on low-income families, increasing their financial burden."

What are some alternatives to "a regressive effect"?

Alternatives to "a regressive effect" include "a detrimental impact", "an adverse outcome", or "a negative consequence". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

In what contexts is "a regressive effect" commonly used?

"A regressive effect" is frequently used in discussions about taxation, economic policy, and social programs. It helps to highlight how these measures can unintentionally or unfairly affect certain segments of the population.