but in effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but in effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something has a certain result or consequence, even if it may not be immediately obvious. Example: "The new policy seems lenient, but in effect, it restricts our freedoms more than before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But, in effect, the checks bounced.

The New York Times

But, in effect, it does.

The New York Times

But in effect, that's just what The Artist gives us.

The Guardian - Film

But, in effect, he disappeared from public view.

The Economist

But in effect, he's also trying to fix it.

The New York Times - Books

But in effect, "Inuksuit" is more like a natural process.

The New York Times - Arts

But in effect that means Firm 1 is choosing points on this line.

Yale University

Jobs came on stage and praised Amazon's Kindle, but in effect vowed to bury it.

The Guardian - Tech

Tabloids and picture magazines had made photographs not only central but in effect essential.

The New York Times - Arts

"Nobody called them peasants, but in effect that's what they'd become".

The New York Times - Books

Later he went to Sandford Park, nominally secular but in effect imbued with the Protestant ethos.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "but in effect" with strong verbs and vivid descriptions to create a more impactful statement. For example, "The policy seemed lenient, but in effect, it strangled innovation."

Common error

Avoid using "but in effect" when a simpler conjunction like "but" or "however" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex and pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but in effect" serves as an conjunctive adverbial phrase, modifying the main clause by introducing a consequence or result that is often unexpected or not immediately obvious. Ludwig AI highlights the varied contexts in which this phrase appears, showcasing its versatility in conveying nuanced meanings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but in effect" functions as a versatile conjunctive adverbial, signaling a contrast or an unexpected outcome. As Ludwig AI shows, it's commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, overuse should be avoided to maintain writing clarity. Consider alternatives like "essentially" or "in practice" to diversify your expression. By understanding its function and appropriate usage, you can effectively leverage "but in effect" to add depth and nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essentially

This alternative emphasizes the core nature or essence of a situation.

in essence

This phrase highlights the fundamental nature of something, similar to "essentially".

in practice

This emphasizes how something works in reality, often contrasting with theory.

virtually

This suggests that something is almost, but not completely, the same as something else.

in reality

This highlights the actual state of affairs, often contrasting with expectations.

practically speaking

This focuses on the practical implications of a situation.

for all intents and purposes

This indicates that something should be considered as a certain thing, despite technicalities.

tantamount to

This indicates that something is equivalent to something else, often with negative connotations.

to all practical purposes

Similar to "for all intents and purposes", this focuses on the practical outcome.

effectively

This suggests that something achieves the desired result, even if indirectly.

FAQs

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

Use "but in effect" to introduce a consequence or outcome that contrasts with what might be expected or initially perceived. For example, "The new rules seemed simple, "but in effect", they created more bureaucracy."

What are some alternatives to "but in effect"?

Alternatives include "essentially", "in essence", "in practice", or "effectively", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "but in effect" formal or informal?

"But in effect" is generally considered suitable for both formal and informal writing, although it leans slightly towards the formal side. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when deciding whether to use it.

What's the difference between "but in fact" and "but in effect"?

"But in fact" introduces a statement that corrects a previous misconception or assumption. "But in effect", on the other hand, introduces a consequence or outcome, often one that is unexpected or unintended. The phrase "but in fact" emphasizes truth, while "but in effect" emphasizes outcome.