effective as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "effective as a" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the efficacy or suitability of something in a specific role or function. Example: "The new marketing strategy has proven to be effective as a tool for increasing brand awareness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think he's been more effective as a result".

The New York Times

Knoblauch's handy response was as effective as a muzzle.

The New York Times - Sports

It's effective as a marketplace, but not much else".

The New York Times - Magazine

Why is nakedness effective as a political protest?

The New Yorker

It can also be effective as a natural mosquito repellent.

Independent

It was certainly effective as a publicity stunt.

The Economist

Not as flashy, not as eyecatching but so much more consistently effective as a result.

The Guardian - Sport

The occupations are more effective as a launch pad than a destination.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Shanley said he believed he could be as effective as a sighted teacher.

The New York Times

He became exceptionally sound behind the stumps and equally effective as a batsman.

The Guardian - Sport

That's been effective as a stop-gap, but won't be enough in the long term.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of a strategy or action, use "effective as a" to highlight its practical benefits and positive results.

Common error

Avoid using "effective as a" as a generic descriptor. Instead, specify how something is effective. For example, instead of "The method is effective as a solution", try "The method is effective as a cost-saving measure".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "effective as a" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase used to describe the degree to which something fulfills its intended purpose or role. It is commonly used to evaluate the efficacy or suitability of an entity in a certain context, as illustrated by the numerous examples Ludwig provides.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "effective as a" is a versatile and commonly used adjectival phrase for assessing the degree to which something fulfills its intended purpose. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and sees it very frequently in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts. When using the phrase, it's beneficial to be specific about how something is effective to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "efficient as a", "useful as a", and "helpful as a" can provide nuance depending on the context. Overall, "effective as a" is a valuable tool for expressing the utility and impact of various actions and strategies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

efficacious as a

Emphasizes the ability to produce a desired result or effect. It highlights efficiency.

successful as a

Implies a positive result or outcome achieved through a particular method. It highlights accomplishment.

efficient as a

Emphasizes the ability to achieve results with minimal wasted effort or resources. It highlights productivity.

potent as a

Focuses on the strength and effectivness of something. It highlights potency.

useful as a

Focuses on the practicality and helpfulness of something in serving a particular purpose. It highlights utility.

helpful as a

Stresses the assistance or support provided by something, emphasizing its role in aiding or benefiting someone or something.

instrumental as a

Highlights the crucial role something plays in achieving a specific outcome or result. It emphasizes importance.

valuable as a

Focuses on the worth or significance of something in a particular context. It highlights worth.

good as a

Suggests something meets a certain standard or performs adequately in a specific role. It emphasizes competence.

strong as a

Highlights power or influence in a specific capacity or scenario. It emphasizes potency.

FAQs

How can I use "effective as a" in a sentence?

Use "effective as a" to describe something's capacity to produce a desired result or outcome in a specific context. For example, "The training program was "successful as a" means of improving employee skills".

What are some alternatives to "effective as a"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "efficient as a", "useful as a", "helpful as a", or "instrumental as a".

Is there a difference between "effective as a" and "efficient as a"?

"Effective as a" indicates the ability to produce a desired outcome, while "efficient as a" focuses on achieving results with minimal waste of resources. Something can be effective without being perfectly "efficient as a", and vice versa.

When should I use "effective as a" versus "good at"?

"Effective as a" is used to describe the capability of something in achieving a specific result or purpose. "Good at" describes a general skill or talent. Use "effective as a" when you want to be specific on its role. For example, "The new policy is "effective as a" deterrent", not "good at".