effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'effect' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used as both a noun and a verb. As a verb, it means to bring about a particular result. As a noun, it refers to the result of an action. For example: "The teacher's words had a profound effect on the students" (noun) "The teacher's words effected a change in the students' attitudes" (verb).

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The real effect of this speech will be to further increase the intolerance and the hostile reception that immigrants are facing from some sections of society".

The New York Times

In reality, the effect on MPs' seats is more complex to measure as voters are not spread evenly across constituencies: some areas within may heavily favour one party, others its main rival.

The Guardian

Ms. Coronado estimated that this Summers effect would reduce domestic economic growth by 0.5 to 0.75 percentage point over the next two years, which could reduce job creation by 350,000 to 500,000 jobs.

The New York Times

In the case of ordinary consumers, "switching costs" have a major effect.

The Economist

The material effect of being so isolated is that information is reordered around the reality they can't escape: everybody has to care what the Hamas military guy says; his speech is analysed late into the night by groups huddled over cigarettes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Turning to Paul Le Guen was bold, imaginative and seemingly unrealistic but demonstrative of a degree of audacity that Murray has often matched with persuasiveness to great effect.

The Guardian - Sport

It is also very rewarding as you can see the direct effect of the research on people's lives.

The Guardian

For Tsipras, the youngest leader to hold high office in modern times, what lies ahead is a litany of choices with potentially explosive effect.

The Guardian

In effect, Di Girolamo was being asked to help draft a letter to himself.

The Guardian

Palace's players had arrived at the Amex for the second leg of the semi-final to find the tension in the tie had clearly already had an explosive effect.

The Guardian - Sport

This has the effect of making the figurative drawing more abstract, paradoxically, neutralising the shock effect of the splayed limbs, the proffered genitalia, the immediate sexual context of artist and model.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "effect" as a verb, ensure you intend to mean 'to bring about' or 'to accomplish,' rather than confusing it with the verb 'affect,' which means 'to influence'.

Common error

A common error is using "effect" when you mean "affect", or vice versa. "Affect" is typically a verb meaning to influence something, while "effect" is typically a noun referring to a result. Remember, A comes before E, and "affect" usually comes before "effect".

Linguistic Context

The word "effect" primarily functions as a noun, denoting the result or outcome of something. As Ludwig AI suggests, it can also function as a verb, meaning to bring something about. The extensive examples in Ludwig demonstrate its versatile usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "effect" is a versatile term primarily functioning as a noun to denote results or consequences. According to Ludwig AI, it also has a less frequent usage as a verb, meaning 'to bring about'. It's crucial to differentiate "effect" from "affect", which mainly functions as a verb meaning 'to influence'. The prevalence of "effect" in diverse fields such as news, business, and science underscores its widespread applicability. Using Ludwig, you can explore various contextual examples to enhance your understanding and ensure accurate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

result

Focuses on the outcome or consequence of an action or cause.

impact

Emphasizes the force or influence of something on something else.

consequence

Highlights the logical or natural result of an action or condition.

outcome

Stresses the final result or conclusion of a process or event.

influence

Indicates the power to affect someone or something.

repercussion

Implies an indirect or unexpected consequence.

aftermath

Refers to the period following a significant event and its results.

ramification

Suggests a complex or branching consequence.

implication

Implies a suggestion or something not directly expressed but understood.

upshot

Denotes the final or eventual result.

FAQs

How do I use "effect" in a sentence?

"Effect" can be used as a noun meaning the result of something, as in "The "effect" of the medicine was immediate", or as a verb meaning to bring about something, as in "The new policies will "effect" change".

What can I say instead of "effect"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "result", "impact", or "consequence" /s/.

Which is correct, "affect" or "effect"?

"Affect" and "effect" are often confused. "Affect" is typically a verb meaning to influence, while "effect" is most often a noun meaning a result. However, "effect" can also be used as a verb meaning to bring about.

What's the difference between "affect" and "effect"?

"Affect" generally functions as a verb, signifying influence. "Effect" primarily serves as a noun, denoting the outcome. For example, “The drug "affected" his mood,” versus “The "effect" was calming.” /s/