Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
has limited effectiveness
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"has limited effectiveness" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to describe something that is limited or moderately effective. For example, you could say, "The diet pill has limited effectiveness in helping people lose weight."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
Alternative expressions(15)
is somewhat ineffective
offers a partial solution
is not very impactful
is of limited value
has limited validity
has limited functionality
has limited potency
has limited performance
has limited significance
has limited worth
has limited efficacy
has limited relevance
has shown effectiveness
has limited practicality
has modest efficacy
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
22 human-written examples
However, treatment with antivenom has limited effectiveness against venoms' local effects.
Still, as a political matter, attacking scientists has limited effectiveness.
News & Media
There is a vaccine for TB, but it has limited effectiveness.
News & Media
Dusting has limited effectiveness, however, if a later snowfall covers the dust layer.
Encyclopedias
This means planning has limited effectiveness but does not mean there is not a large role for the state.
News & Media
However, we find that the imposed restriction has limited effectiveness in controlling the linking activity of spammers.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
38 human-written examples
Weight loss medications have had limited effectiveness, some serious adverse effects, and limited uptake [ 7].
Unfortunately, hair loss disorders are currently poorly controlled; available therapies either have limited effectiveness or unwanted side effects (12, 13).
Science
Many treatment options exist for CLBP, but most have limited effectiveness and some have significant side effects.
Science
Current therapies to help alleviate joint pain have limited effectiveness and certain drugs produce unwanted negative side effects, thereby precluding their long-term use.
Remediation strategies that are based solely upon the limited observations provided by physicochemical monitoring, are likely to have limited effectiveness and may fail to identify and address issues with the broader ecosystem health of an urban lake.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "has limited effectiveness", be specific about why something's effectiveness is limited. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "the treatment has limited effectiveness", specify "the treatment has limited effectiveness against severe symptoms".
Common error
Avoid using "has limited effectiveness" when something is completely ineffective. This phrase implies some level of positive impact, however small. For complete failures, use phrases like "is entirely ineffective" or "offers no benefit".
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "has limited effectiveness" functions as a descriptive qualifier. It's used to indicate that a particular method, treatment, or strategy doesn't fully achieve its intended purpose. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase adheres to standard English grammar and usage.
Frequent in
Science
48%
News & Media
33%
Academia
9%
Less common in
Wiki
4%
Encyclopedias
2%
Formal & Business
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "has limited effectiveness" serves to temper expectations or assessments, communicating that while something may offer some benefit, its impact isn't substantial or complete. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Analysis of various sources indicates that this phrase is common in scientific, news, and academic domains. When using this phrase, it is best practice to specify the reasons for the limited effectiveness to provide greater clarity. Closely related alternatives include "is somewhat ineffective" and "offers a partial solution". Overall, the phrase is a useful tool for precise communication, providing a balanced perspective rather than an outright condemnation.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
is somewhat ineffective
Emphasizes a degree of ineffectiveness, adding nuance.
is only partially successful
Highlights the incomplete success of an action, drawing attention to what was not achieved.
is not very impactful
Directly states the lack of significant impact, simplifying the language.
does not fully deliver
Suggests a failure to meet expectations, shifting the emphasis.
has a weak influence
Highlights the feebleness of the influence exerted, changing the perspective.
is of limited value
Focuses on the restricted value or worth of the subject, changing the focus slightly.
has marginal utility
Indicates minimal benefit or usefulness, shifting the focus to the utility derived.
possesses moderate efficacy
Uses a more formal tone, focusing on the degree of efficacy rather than a complete lack thereof.
shows little promise
Shifts the focus to the potential or future outlook, indicating a lack of anticipated success.
offers a partial solution
Suggests that the approach only resolves a portion of the problem, emphasizing incompleteness.
FAQs
How can I use "has limited effectiveness" in a sentence?
You can use "has limited effectiveness" to describe something that is not very effective or only works to a certain extent. For example, "The new policy "has limited effectiveness" in reducing pollution levels".
What are some alternatives to "has limited effectiveness"?
Alternatives include "is somewhat ineffective", "offers a partial solution", or "is not very impactful" depending on the context.
Is it better to say "has limited effectiveness" or "is ineffective"?
"Has limited effectiveness" implies some degree of effect, while "is ineffective" means there is no effect at all. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the situation. If something has a small effect, use "has limited effectiveness". If it has no effect, use "is ineffective".
What is the difference between "has limited effectiveness" and "has modest effectiveness"?
"Has limited effectiveness" suggests that something's effectiveness is restricted in scope or degree. "Has modest effectiveness" indicates a moderate or moderate degree of effectiveness. The distinction lies in the level of impact, where "modest" implies a slightly more positive outcome than "limited".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested