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 the intended effect
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
'has the intended effect' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to the outcome of an action or event, or to indicate that something has had the desired effect or outcome. For example, "The new training program has had the intended effect - employee morale has noticeably increased."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(4)
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
11 human-written examples
This intravenous injection of credibility has the intended effect, and you can feel the dynamic shifting.
News & Media
This retreat into denial has the intended effect of doubling the reader's distress.
News & Media
Delivery of the pumped water to recharge ponds, located further from the river, has the intended effect of augmenting streamflow during low-flow summer months.
Science
It remains to be seen if the new third-tier Qualifying Competition (catchy title, huh?) has the intended effect of improving standards outside the leading European nations but at least it is a step in the right direction.
News & Media
"They have shown themselves to be retaliatory, and it really has the intended effect," said a Western lawyer who advises many multinationals in China, and who insisted on anonymity because he said that he feared retaliation.
News & Media
Meantime, we've tried in out on a Home unit we have around the office and can confirm that the commercial no longer has the intended effect.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
49 human-written examples
Furthermore, in complex problem-solving tasks, it is never quite clear whether a specific decision really has the intended effects (Dörner and Wearing 1995).
It did not have the intended effect.
News & Media
But Columbia's assurances have not had the intended effect.
News & Media
The latter change was to have the intended effect.
News & Media
It may not be having the intended effect at all.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "has the intended effect", ensure the context clearly establishes what the intended effect is to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The new policy has the intended effect of reducing employee turnover."
Common error
Avoid assuming the phrase "has the intended effect" implies universal success. Acknowledge potential limitations or unintended consequences. For instance, "While the marketing campaign has the intended effect of increasing brand awareness, it hasn't significantly boosted sales."
Source & Trust
93%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "has the intended effect" functions as a predicate in a sentence. It asserts that a particular action, strategy, or measure is successful in achieving its planned or desired outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's usable in written English.
Frequent in
News & Media
60%
Science
30%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "has the intended effect" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for expressing that something is achieving its planned outcome, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While its register is generally neutral, it appears most frequently in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the intended effect is clear and acknowledge potential limitations. Consider alternatives like "achieves the desired outcome" or "produces the anticipated result" for nuanced meanings.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
brings about the desired effect
Emphasizes the action of causing the intended result.
produces the anticipated result
Highlights the result aligning with prior expectations.
fulfills its purpose
Highlights the fulfillment of the designed intention.
achieves the desired outcome
Focuses on the achievement of a specific, desired result.
yields the projected outcome
Focuses on producing a forecasted result.
realizes the desired goal
Emphasizes the actualization of an initially desired aim.
accomplishes the objective
Emphasizes the successful completion of a defined goal.
serves its function
Focuses on effectively performing the designed role.
generates the expected response
Highlights the anticipated reaction or consequence.
works as planned
Underscores the functionality aligning with original intentions.
FAQs
How can I use "has the intended effect" in a sentence?
Use "has the intended effect" to describe a situation where an action or strategy successfully achieves its planned outcome. For example, "The new software update "has the intended effect" of improving system performance."
What are some alternatives to "has the intended effect"?
Alternatives include "achieves the desired outcome", "produces the anticipated result", or "accomplishes the objective", depending on the specific context.
Is it better to say "has the intended effect" or "had the intended effect"?
Use "has the intended effect" for present or ongoing effects and "had the intended effect" for past effects. For example, "The intervention has the intended effect now, but it had the intended effect last year as well."
What's the difference between "has the intended effect" and "has the desired effect"?
"Has the intended effect" focuses on achieving a planned outcome, while "has the desired effect" emphasizes achieving a wanted or hoped-for outcome. The terms are often interchangeable, but "intended" implies a specific plan, while "desired" implies a general wish.
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
93%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested