a useful effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a useful effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a positive or beneficial outcome resulting from an action or process. Example: "The new software update has a useful effect on the system's performance, making it run more efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

When comparing means of continuous variables between two groups using a t test, Cohen's d is a useful effect size measure that describes the difference between the means normalized to the pooled standard deviation (SD) of the two groups (see Table 1; Cohen, 1988).

CBE Life Sciences Education

When comparing the distribution of a dichotomous variable between two groups, for instance, when using a χ test of homogeneity, the odds ratio is a useful effect size measure that describes the likelihood of an outcome occurring in the treatment group compared with the likelihood of the outcome occurring in the control group (see Table 1; Cohen, 1994; Thompson, 1996).

CBE Life Sciences Education

But he stressed that such a reduction in tax rates could have a useful effect only if done swiftly.

The New York Times

But Mr. Thomas emphasized that such a reduction could have a useful effect only if done swiftly.

The New York Times

"What we are continuing to do is look very carefully at whether the forces there and the reinforcements that can be brought in can have a useful effect," the official said.

The New York Times

The next step, to be carried out in collaboration with Exelixis, is to use the technology to find compounds that reverse the blockage of egg-laying, and may therefore have a useful effect on dodgy presenilin.Even psychiatric drugs can be put through their paces with C. elegans.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The apparent requirement for the tumour to suppress members of each of three groups of soluble Wnt antagonists indicates that it may only be necessary to restore the expression of a single species to obtain a therapeutically useful effect.

British Journal of Cancer

The degree of instantaneous tremor suppression achieved in the present study fell short of a clinically useful effect.

Brain

The standardized mean difference (SMD) is a clinically useful effect size defined as the difference in means between two groups standardized by dividing by the with-in groups' pooled standard deviation.

BMC Psychiatry

Furthermore, the effects were notable for occurring in cases with chronic spinal cord injury that had previously reached a plateau of recovery – some of the dogs had been paraplegic for >12 months – and were of sufficient magnitude to change locomotor patterns with a clinically useful effect (Supplementary Fig. 2).

Brain

To understand how phytochemicals, such as proteins and peptides derived from whole foods interact with each other, specialized cancer models that measure the effect on the biochemical target are needed, including evidence of a potentially useful effect on tumor growth or progression.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a useful effect", ensure the context clearly explains what makes the effect useful. Be specific about the benefits.

Common error

Avoid using "a useful effect" without providing clear and tangible reasons why the effect is beneficial. Vague claims of usefulness weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a useful effect" functions as a noun phrase, where 'useful' is an adjective modifying the noun 'effect'. It describes the result or consequence of an action, emphasizing its beneficial or practical nature, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a useful effect" describes a beneficial or practical outcome resulting from a specific action or intervention. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and well-suited for various contexts, although most common in scientific and news-related domains. While the phrase itself is straightforward, it's important to clearly articulate what makes the effect useful in any given context. Common alternatives include "a beneficial impact" or "a positive outcome", each with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a beneficial impact

Focuses on the positive influence rather than just the usefulness.

a positive consequence

Emphasizes the result as being favorable.

a helpful result

Highlights the assistance provided by the result.

a valuable outcome

Stresses the worth and importance of the result.

a constructive outcome

Indicates that the result is building towards something better.

an advantageous effect

Highlights the beneficial nature of the effect.

a favorable result

Focuses on the positive and approving nature of the result.

a worthwhile effect

Emphasizes that the effect is important and valuable.

a salutary effect

Implies a health-promoting or beneficial impact.

a productive result

Highlights the efficiency and yield of the result.

FAQs

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

You can use "a useful effect" to describe a beneficial outcome resulting from a particular action or intervention. For example: "The new policy had "a useful effect" on employee morale".

What's a good alternative to "a useful effect"?

Alternatives include "a beneficial impact", "a positive outcome", or "a helpful result". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "useful effect" or "beneficial effect"?

Both "useful effect" and "beneficial effect" are grammatically correct. "Beneficial effect" emphasizes the positive nature of the outcome, while "useful effect" focuses on its practical application.

What is the difference between "a useful effect" and "a significant effect"?

"A useful effect" implies practicality and helpfulness, while "a significant effect" suggests importance or statistical relevance. They are not interchangeable.