came into effect

USAGE SUMMARY

'came into effect' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has been initiated and no longer a hypothetical concept, such as a law, rule, or policy. For example: "The new data privacy policy came into effect on January 1st."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That came into effect on Monday night.

Independent

It came into effect here in January 2006.

The New York Times

It came into effect in 2003.

The Guardian - Sport

The changes came into effect last year.

The Guardian

Both armistices came into effect early on June 25.

Britannica

Constitution, which came into effect at midnight on Sunday.

The New York Times

On Sunday 26 July, the law came into effect.

The Guardian - Tech

The rise came into effect in January 2011.

The Guardian

The truce came into effect before dawn on Tuesday.

The New York Times

The legislation came into effect on 3 May.

Independent

The Twelfth Amendment came into effect with the 1804 election.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add precision, specify the exact date when the change happened, such as: "The new regulations came into effect on January 1, 2025."

Common error

Avoid using "came into effect" when referring to abstract concepts or events that don't involve formal implementation. For example, instead of saying "The change came into effect after the meeting", use "The change occurred after the meeting".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "came into effect" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the commencement or operationalization of a specific rule, law, agreement, or policy. It specifies the point in time when something transitions from being planned or approved to being actively in force. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and provides many supporting examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "came into effect" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to denote the start date of laws, rules, or agreements. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, highlighting its presence in diverse sources. When using the phrase, ensure you're referring to something formally implemented and avoid using it in casual contexts. Consider alternatives like "took effect" or "entered into force" based on the desired formality. Primarily found in News & Media, Academic, and Scientific sources, this phrase conveys factual and precise information. Its use reflects a neutral to formal tone, fitting contexts that demand clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

took effect

Simple synonym replacing "came into" with "took", maintaining the original meaning.

entered into force

A formal and legalistic synonym, often used in international agreements and treaties.

became operative

Replaces "came into effect" with a more formal term, focusing on the operational aspect.

was implemented

Focuses on the act of putting something into practice, instead of simply starting.

went into operation

Emphasizes the functional aspect of something starting to work or be used.

was enacted

Specifically used for laws and regulations, implying formal approval and implementation.

commenced

Highlights the beginning or starting point of something, similar to 'came into effect'.

began to apply

Focuses on the applicability or relevance of a rule or law to specific situations.

was activated

Suggests that something was made active or functional, as opposed to just starting.

started to be valid

Emphasizes the legality and legitimacy of something beginning its period of effectiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "came into effect" in a sentence?

Use "came into effect" to describe when a new law, rule, or agreement began to be applied. For example, "The new regulations "took effect" on January 1st".

What phrases are similar to "came into effect"?

Similar phrases include "took effect", "entered into force", or "became operative". The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "will come into effect"?

Yes, "will come into effect" is correct when referring to a future event. For example, "The new policy will come into effect next month".

What's the difference between "came into effect" and "was implemented"?

"Came into effect" refers to the moment something starts to be valid or operative, while "was implemented" refers to the act of putting something into practice. While similar, "was implemented" focuses more on the action taken to make something happen.