benefit in effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "benefit in effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a benefit is realized or has an impact, even if it is not explicitly stated or intended. Example: "The new policy may not seem beneficial at first glance, but it provides a significant benefit in effect for the employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For Facebook, it would have an additional benefit: In effect, it is like a stock buyback, reducing the number of total shares on the public market, "thereby reducing our shares outstanding used to calculate earnings per share," the filing said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The stimulus law does provide that money for increased unemployment benefits can go to a state only if the increased benefits are "in effect as permanent law," and that the law cannot be "subject to discontinuation".

Huffington Post

After the baby-boomers start to retire in 2011, their benefit formulas will in effect be locked in politically it is virtually impossible to change these formulas for those in or near retirement.

The Economist

The cost of these benefits, in effect, falls on those in work.

The Economist

Employers, weary of the issue, are just glad to have somewhere cheap to park their staff and this means not only are pension benefits in effect being cut but the replacement schemes people are not up to scratch.

Independent

As for the "right to the image," it's an even greater illusion that the public image is a sort of creation, a personal art work, that benefits in effect from the notion of freedom of expression — that one is entitled to appear as one puts oneself forth, until proven otherwise.

The New Yorker

Beyond the magnitude of the gap, Smetters points out that Medicare is a tougher problem politically because it does not involve a simple cash benefit but, in effect, puts a price tag on beneficiaries' health, perhaps even their lives.

Forbes

Those on benefits were, in effect, forced to work for free for the company or have their benefits stripped.

The Guardian

Should corporation tax go to in-work benefits – which, in effect, subsidise inadequate wages?

The Guardian - Opinion

Sartre has been portrayed as benefiting from, in effect, the procuring of distressed young women by his partner, Simone de Beauvoir.

The Guardian - Books

He emphasized, too, the law's benefits already in effect for the 85 percent of Americans who have coverage, and provisions barring companies from refusing insurance to those with pre-existing medical conditions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "benefit in effect", ensure that the context clearly demonstrates how the benefit is realized or manifested. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "benefit in effect" when a direct or intended benefit is already apparent. The phrase is most effective when highlighting an indirect or less obvious advantage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "benefit in effect" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause, indicating the way in which a benefit is realized or experienced. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a situation where a benefit is active or influential.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "benefit in effect" is a grammatically sound and commonly used construction, indicating a realized, often indirect, positive outcome. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is usable in written English to describe a situation where a benefit is realized even if it is not explicitly stated or intended. Analysis of various sources reveals its presence across news media, scientific publications, and formal business contexts, suggesting versatility in communication. When writing, it's vital to deploy this phrase when you want to show an implicit advantage. Direct alternatives include ""practical advantage"" and "actual benefit". Ensure clear context to highlight indirect or non-obvious outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

actual benefit

Focuses on the real, tangible benefit derived, similar to the original phrase's emphasis on a realized benefit.

practical advantage

Replaces the more formal "benefit in effect" with a simpler, more direct expression of the advantage gained.

effective advantage

Highlights that the advantage is working and creating the benefit.

positive impact

Shifts the focus to the result caused by an action/decision.

favorable outcome

Draws attention to the advantages of some event or action.

real world benefit

Underlines that benefits are not only promised but really happened.

positive consequence

Draws attention to the result of some process.

tangible advantage

Emphasizes the benefits are clear and can be seen without effort.

in practice

Highlights the effect of real actions.

down the line

Emphasizes on the long-term benefits.

FAQs

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

Use "benefit in effect" to describe a positive outcome that isn't immediately obvious or is an indirect result of something else. For instance, "The policy change may not seem significant, but it offers a substantial "practical advantage" to employees."

What phrases can I use instead of "benefit in effect"?

Alternatives include "actual benefit", "tangible advantage", or "positive impact", depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to use "benefit in effect" when the benefit is already obvious?

Yes, using "benefit in effect" is generally redundant if the benefit is directly stated or immediately apparent. The phrase is most useful for highlighting indirect or non-obvious advantages.

What is the difference between "benefit in effect" and "intended benefit"?

"Benefit in effect" refers to a benefit that is realized or has an impact, while "intended benefit" refers to a benefit that is planned or expected but may not necessarily occur. The former is about an actual result, whereas the latter is about a goal.