has been in effect since

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been in effect since" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a law, policy, procedure, etc. that has been in place for a certain amount of time. You can use it when referring to an event or policy that began in the past and is still relevant today. Example: The city's ban on plastic bags has been in effect since 2018.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

A moratorium has been in effect since then, he said.

The New York Times

But it has been in effect since then and has grown to more than $2 billion.

The New York Times

A hiring freeze has been in effect since the spring of 2008.

The New York Times

The changes are being carried out slowly, though the decree has been in effect since the beginning of August.

The New York Times

The old rule was rescinded in 1997, and the new rule has been in effect since that time.

The New York Times

The registration law has been in effect since the Carter Administration, and no one has been drafted under it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

That moratorium has been in effect since December 2015.

The Washington Post

The state's repair shop registration law has been in effect since 1975.

The New York Times

In Northern Ireland a hosepipe ban has been in effect since 29 June.

The Guardian

A smoking ban in public places has been in effect since 2007.

Independent

The latest siege is an expansion of the closure policy that restricts Palestinian movement, a policy that has been in effect since 1993.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "has been in effect since", ensure that the starting date is clearly specified to avoid ambiguity. This helps the reader understand the duration and context of the policy, law, or regulation you are referring to.

Common error

Avoid using vague time references with "has been in effect since". Instead of saying 'has been in effect since a long time', provide a specific year, month, or date for clarity. For example, use 'has been in effect since 2005' instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been in effect since" functions as a temporal marker, indicating the commencement and continuation of a particular state, rule, or condition. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a valid and common phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been in effect since" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote the commencement and continued operation of a policy, law, or regulation from a specified time. Ludwig AI supports its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, it serves to provide clarity and historical context. To enhance its effectiveness, ensure specific dates are included. Consider alternative expressions like "has been operative since" or "has been in force since" for variety. With its widespread usage and clear purpose, mastering this phrase will enhance your communication skills and ability to describe sustained actions effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been operative since

Replaces 'in effect' with 'operative', indicating something is functioning.

has been in force since

Substitutes 'in effect' with 'in force', emphasizing the legal or authoritative nature.

has been valid since

Replaces 'in effect' with 'valid', focusing on the legitimacy or correctness.

has been implemented since

Indicates the introduction and putting into practice of something.

has been active since

Emphasizes the ongoing activity or operation of something from a specific time.

has been running since

Suggests a continuous operation or process from a certain point in time.

has been established since

Highlights the creation or setting up of something that continues to exist.

has existed since

A more general way of saying something has been present or in being from a specific time.

has prevailed since

Suggests that a particular condition or situation has been dominant since a certain time.

has obtained since

Highlights the current state of affairs has been present from a specific date.

FAQs

How do I use "has been in effect since" in a sentence?

Use "has been in effect since" to indicate that a rule, law, or system started operating at a particular point in time and continues to do so. For example, "The new policy "has been in effect since" January 1, 2024."

What's the difference between "has been in effect since" and "became effective on"?

"Has been in effect since" emphasizes the continuous operation from a past date to the present, while "became effective on" simply states when something started. For example, a law "became effective on" a certain date, and "has been in effect since" that date.

Which is correct: "has been in effect since" or "is in effect since"?

"Has been in effect since" is grammatically correct when referring to a past action that continues to the present. "Is in effect since" is generally incorrect; use "has been in effect since" or rephrase the sentence. Alternatively use "is currently in effect".

What can I say instead of "has been in effect since"?

You can use alternatives such as "has been operative since", "has been in force since", or "has been valid since" depending on the context.