had the desired effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had the desired effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an action or decision produced the intended or expected outcome. Example: "The new marketing strategy was implemented last month, and it had the desired effect of increasing sales significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

This had the desired effect.

The Economist

It had the desired effect.

The New York Times

The combined purchases had the desired effect.

The New York Times

The reporting system had the desired effect.

The New York Times

The overnight changes had the desired effect.

The Guardian - Sport

And it had the desired effect.

The New York Times

Competing at the Colonial had the desired effect for Sorenstam.

The New York Times - Sports

Quite convincing though, and it had the desired effect.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

So it's had the desired effect in unravelling terror cells.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Something he said in the sheds – and/or the way he said it – had the desired effect.

The Guardian - Sport

The substitution had the desired effect – but not in the way everyone expected.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "had the desired effect" to clearly state that an action or strategy successfully achieved its intended purpose. This phrase adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "had the desired effect" when the outcome is only partially achieved or has unintended negative consequences. Ensure the effect aligns precisely with the original intention for accurate usage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had the desired effect" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that a specific action or measure successfully achieved its intended outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely and correctly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "had the desired effect" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates an action has successfully achieved its intended outcome. As Ludwig AI points out, it is widely recognized and employed across various contexts, most prominently in news media. While it maintains a generally neutral tone suitable for professional and formal settings, it's crucial to ensure the outcome genuinely aligns with the original intention to avoid misapplication. Alternatives such as "achieved the intended outcome" or "produced the anticipated result" can be used for stylistic variation, but "had the desired effect" remains a clear and effective way to communicate successful goal attainment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieved the intended outcome

Replaces "effect" with "outcome", emphasizing the result achieved.

produced the anticipated result

Substitutes "desired" with "anticipated" and "effect" with "result", highlighting expectation.

yielded the expected consequence

Uses "yielded" and "consequence" to convey a more formal tone.

brought about the wished-for result

Emphasizes the wish or hope behind the desired outcome.

accomplished the set goal

Focuses on achieving a specific, predetermined objective.

worked as intended

Simple and direct, emphasizing functionality and purpose.

succeeded in its purpose

Highlights the success of an action in fulfilling its intended aim.

delivered the anticipated impact

Replaces "effect" with "impact", emphasizing the influence or change produced.

realized the hoped-for outcome

Focuses on the realization of a previously hoped outcome.

fulfilled its objective

Highlights the fulfillment of a specific objective or aim.

FAQs

How can I use "had the desired effect" in a sentence?

You can use "had the desired effect" to indicate that a particular action or strategy successfully achieved its intended outcome. For example, "The new marketing campaign "had the desired effect" of increasing sales."

What are some alternatives to saying "had the desired effect"?

Alternatives include "achieved the intended outcome", "produced the anticipated result", or "yielded the expected consequence". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "had the desired effective" instead of "had the desired effect"?

No, "had the desired effective" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "had the desired effect," where "effect" is a noun meaning result or outcome.

What's the difference between "had the desired effect" and "had the intended effect"?

The phrases "had the desired effect" and "had the intended effect" are very similar and often interchangeable. "Desired" emphasizes what was wanted, while "intended" emphasizes what was planned or meant to happen. The difference is subtle, and either phrase is usually appropriate.