how effective it is

USAGE SUMMARY

"how effective it is" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used when discussing the effectiveness or efficiency of something. Example: The new medication is still undergoing testing, but early results have shown how effective it is in treating the symptoms.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Many wanted to have evidence that the test works effectively before undertaking a screen; "I'd want to know how effective it is I'd want to be given some figures"; "Yeah, the accuracy of the test is everything".

BMC Geriatrics

How effective it is, though, is unclear.

The Economist

"I don't know how effective it is.

The Guardian - Film

History shows how effective it is.

The New York Times

That speaks volumes for just how effective it is".

The Guardian

Even Hope Now says it is unsure how effective it is.

The New York Times

"How effective it is, we'll have to wait and see," he continued.

The New York Times

"Everything is a trade-off between how greasy it is and how effective it is".

The New York Times

It's strange how effective it is, at least for me personally whenever I see it.

The New York Times

"We were surprised at how effective it is, given it is just supplements".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I'm excited by how effective it's likely to be and also about its potential to reduce the need for patients to take oral steroids.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "how effective it is", ensure that the context clearly defines the criteria for effectiveness. Specify what outcomes are being measured to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "how effective it is" without specifying the scope or context. For instance, instead of saying "the strategy is effective", clarify "how effective it is in reducing employee turnover" to provide a more precise and meaningful assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how effective it is" functions as a relative clause, often serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It introduces a question or statement about the degree to which something achieves its intended purpose, aligning with Ludwig's assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

35%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "how effective it is" is a grammatically sound and frequently used relative clause to question, assess, or describe the degree of effectiveness of something. As noted by Ludwig, its versatile nature makes it suitable for various contexts, from formal scientific reports to casual news articles. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science, it maintains a neutral register. Remember to specify the scope or context when using this phrase, providing a more precise and meaningful assessment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is its effectiveness

This alternative directly questions the effectiveness, using a more formal and direct tone.

to what extent is it effective

This phrase emphasizes the degree or range of effectiveness, adding a layer of detail.

how well does it work

This option replaces "effective" with "work", making it more informal and focusing on functionality.

what is its level of efficacy

This alternative uses "efficacy," which is more formal and specific, referring to the capacity for producing a desired result or effect.

what impact does it have

This phrase shifts the focus from pure effectiveness to the broader impact or influence of something.

how capable is it

This option focuses on the inherent ability or competence of something to achieve a specific outcome.

what are its effects

This alternative is more general, asking about the outcomes or consequences rather than directly assessing effectiveness.

how successful is it

This alternative emphasizes the achievement of desired outcomes, focusing on the success rate.

what results does it produce

This phrase shifts the focus to the tangible outcomes or products of an action or process.

what is its performance like

This option focuses on the operational capabilities and efficiency of something.

FAQs

How can I use "how effective it is" in a sentence?

You can use "how effective it is" to inquire about or describe the degree to which something achieves a desired result. For example, "The study examines "how effective it is" to implement new policies".

What can I say instead of "how effective it is"?

Alternatives include "what is its effectiveness", "to what extent is it effective", or "how well does it work", depending on the level of formality required.

Which is correct, "how effective it is" or "how effectively it is"?

"How effective it is" is grammatically correct when referring to the degree of effectiveness. "How effectively it is done" focuses on the manner in which something is performed.

What’s the difference between "how effective it is" and "what is its impact"?

"How effective it is" specifically assesses the degree to which something achieves its intended result, while "what is its impact" refers to the broader effects or consequences, which may not always be the intended ones.