had effectively started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had effectively started" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has begun in a significant or impactful way, often in a past context. Example: "By the time the meeting began, the team had effectively started the project without any formal approval."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Chuka Umunna, who dodged the leadership contest before it had effectively started, said the party had to respect the result "come together and provide credible and effective opposition".

Independent

That sounded something like Mr. Obama, who had effectively started his own campaign for the White House on a book tour in 2006.

The New York Times

Her build-up to the Games had effectively started over the winter, training in Jamaica alongside Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake at Glen Mills's Racers Track Club on the outskirts of Kingston, Jamaica.

Independent

The beginning of the trial was also sensational since Bergès, the historian whose discoveries in the archives had effectively started proceedings, let it be known that he had changed his mind.

The Guardian

But Mr. Baker contended this morning that the Democrats had effectively started the legal battle because their supporters -- though not the Gore campaign itself -- had already filed state lawsuits in Florida.

The New York Times

Lawyers for the Barclays admitted the twins had effectively started to bankroll the financially distressed Quinlan from late 2010, handing out loans to pay off a tax bill and funding a very comfortable life for the Irishman and his family in Putney, west London.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"The operation has effectively started," the Defence Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, told RFI radio.

Independent

The current account and fiscal deficits are wide, growth is slowing again (the services PMI fell to a 19-month low), interest rates are unlikely to rise with inflation well below target and the election campaign (which has effectively started) seems likely to deliver a hung Parliament or a narrow victory for a non-market-friendly Labour government.

The Economist

Separately, it had become clear, by last year, that illegal immigration to the United States had effectively stopped; some migrants had even started going back home.

The Economist

Australia, spending A$213m on its Olympic programme, had effectively given up the fight before it had started.

The Guardian - Sport

Scott also had such a sizeable lead that he had effectively won the event before the medal race had started.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "had effectively started" to indicate that an action or process began in a way that produced a real or noticeable impact, even if it wasn't formally recognized at the time. It’s useful when describing a situation where the initial stages were subtle but consequential.

Common error

Avoid using "effectively" redundantly; ensure it adds specific meaning. Overusing it can dilute the impact of your writing. Make sure that the beginning you are describing truly had a noticeable effect from the start.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had effectively started" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an action or process with a notable or practical impact. Ludwig AI indicates that the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

16%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "had effectively started" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that something began in a way that had a real, noticeable impact or effect. Analysis of various sources reveals that this phrase is most frequently used in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the expression's correctness and usability. When considering alternatives, it's essential to reflect on the specific nuance you wish to convey, with options like "had virtually begun" or "had essentially commenced" providing subtly different shades of meaning. Remember to use "effectively" judiciously to avoid redundancy and ensure your writing remains impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had virtually begun

Changes "effectively" to "virtually", emphasizing the near or almost complete commencement.

had practically initiated

Replaces "started" with "initiated", suggesting a more formal or deliberate beginning, and "effectively" with "practically".

had essentially commenced

Uses "essentially" instead of "effectively", and "commenced" instead of "started", giving a more formal tone.

had realistically begun

Substitutes "effectively" with "realistically", focusing on the practical reality of the commencement.

had meaningfully initiated

Changes "effectively" to "meaningfully", highlighting the significance of the beginning.

had substantially started

Replaces "effectively" with "substantially", indicating a considerable degree of commencement.

had functionally begun

Uses "functionally" instead of "effectively", focusing on the operational aspect of the start.

had materially initiated

Substitutes "effectively" with "materially", emphasizing the tangible or concrete aspect of the initiation.

had tangibly started

Changes "effectively" to "tangibly", focusing on a real or concrete start.

had genuinely begun

Replaces "effectively" with "genuinely", highlighting the authenticity of the start.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "had effectively started" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "had essentially commenced" or "had practically initiated". These alternatives provide a similar meaning while conveying a higher level of formality.

What's a simpler way to say "had effectively started"?

You could simplify the phrase to "had virtually begun" or "had realistically begun", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. These options remove the adverb "effectively" while retaining a similar meaning.

Is it always necessary to include "effectively" in the phrase "had started"?

No, "effectively" is not always necessary. It adds emphasis to the impact or consequence of the start. If the start was straightforward and without particular effect, simply saying "had started" may be sufficient.

What is the difference between "had effectively started" and "had officially started"?

"Had effectively started" implies that something began producing results or had a real impact, even if not formally recognized. "Had officially started" implies that something began with formal approval or recognition. The former focuses on practical impact, while the latter focuses on formal commencement.