have been effective

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been effective" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe actions or measures that have successfully achieved their intended results over a period of time. Example: "The new marketing strategies have been effective in increasing our customer engagement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the agreements have been effective.

The New York Times

They have been effective, perhaps too effective.

The Economist

It seems to have been effective.

The New Yorker

"None of these measures have been effective.

The Guardian - Business

These new lobbyists have been effective, lawmakers and others say.

The New York Times

Her suicide may have been effective after all, albeit philosophically.

The Guardian - Books

And no countermeasures have been effective enough to stop this.

The New York Times

"Some of their misinformation and data releases have been effective".

The Guardian - Tech

History has shown that the military courts have been effective.

The New York Times

Others, like Stone, an offensive lineman, have been effective.

The New York Times - Sports

More important, the companies say, the games have been effective.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific synonyms like "have proven successful" or "have yielded positive results" to provide a richer description of the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "have been effective" without providing supporting evidence or examples. Vague claims can undermine your credibility. Always contextualize the phrase with specific outcomes or measurable results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been effective" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that a subject (action, strategy, or treatment) has successfully achieved a desired result over a period of time. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is commonly used to describe actions that have achieved their intended results.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have been effective" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe actions or strategies that have successfully achieved their intended outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings, indicating its neutrality and adaptability. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide specific evidence or examples to support the claim and avoid vague statements. Consider alternative phrases like "have proven successful" or "have yielded positive results" to add depth and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have proven successful

Emphasizes the demonstrated success of something over time.

have yielded positive results

Focuses on the beneficial outcomes produced.

have had a positive impact

Highlights the influence and beneficial effect.

have achieved the desired outcome

Stresses the accomplishment of a specific goal.

have worked well

Suggests a smooth and efficient functioning.

have been instrumental

Implies a crucial role in achieving a result.

have been efficacious

A more formal synonym, emphasizing effectiveness.

have shown promise

Indicates potential for future success.

have delivered the goods

An informal expression emphasizing the fulfillment of expectations.

have passed the test

Shows that something has been approved because its effectiveness has been proven.

FAQs

How can I use "have been effective" in a sentence?

Use "have been effective" to describe actions, strategies, or treatments that have successfully achieved a desired result over a period of time. For example, "The new policies "have been effective" in reducing workplace accidents."

What can I say instead of "have been effective"?

You can use alternatives like "have proven successful", "have yielded positive results", or "have had a positive impact" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "has been effective" instead of "have been effective"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "has been effective" for singular subjects (e.g., "The strategy has been effective"), and "have been effective" for plural subjects (e.g., "The strategies "have been effective"").

What's the difference between "effective" and "efficient"?

"Effective" means producing a desired result, while "efficient" means achieving a desired result with minimal waste of time, resources, or effort. Something can be effective without being efficient, and vice versa.