immediate effect

USAGE SUMMARY

'immediate effect' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which something has an instant impact and causes a change right away. For example: The government's decision to implement a new tax had an immediate effect on the country's economy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This had an immediate effect.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The decision takes immediate effect.

The Guardian - Sport

The ban was introduced with immediate effect".

The New York Times

It had an immediate effect on me.

The New York Times

The implicit threat had an immediate effect.

The Economist

The court ruling's immediate effect is unclear.

The New York Times

Green's departure, however, is with "immediate effect".

The Guardian - Business

What's the immediate effect of an Oscar?

The New York Times

The immediate effect is not moralistic.

The Guardian - Film

The change could take immediate effect.

The Guardian - Opinion

So he's going "with immediate effect".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "immediate effect" to clearly communicate that a change or action produces results without delay. It's particularly useful in formal announcements, policy changes, and descriptions of cause-and-effect relationships.

Common error

Avoid using "immediate effect" when describing long-term or gradual changes. Ensure the context truly reflects an instantaneous or near-instantaneous result, not a delayed or evolving one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "immediate effect" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used adverbially to modify verbs and describe the timing of an action's impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it describing when a policy is enacted or a decision takes hold.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "immediate effect" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that conveys an action's instantaneous impact. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is correct and suitable for use in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, and encyclopedia contexts, it serves to communicate urgency and direct consequences. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "instant result" or "prompt impact". Remember to reserve its use for truly instantaneous events, avoiding overgeneralization to long-term changes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immediate reaction

Focuses on the quickness of the reaction.

immediate consequence

Highlights the consequence as happening immediately.

instant result

Focuses on the result being instantaneous.

instant consequence

Emphasizes the consequence as happening immediately.

instantaneous impact

Highlights the impact being instantaneous.

prompt impact

Highlights the quick influence or effect.

direct outcome

Stresses the directness of the result.

instantaneous reaction

Highlights that the reaction is instantaneous.

rapid reaction

Implies a fast response or effect.

swift repercussion

Conveys a quick and often negative consequence.

FAQs

How can I use "immediate effect" in a sentence?

You can use "immediate effect" to describe actions or decisions that cause a change to happen straight away. For example, "The new policy will be implemented with "immediate effect"".

What's the difference between "immediate effect" and "delayed effect"?

"Immediate effect" refers to a result that occurs instantly, while "delayed effect" indicates that the result will only be seen at some point in the future.

What can I say instead of "immediate effect"?

Alternatives include "instant result", "immediate consequence", or "prompt impact" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "take immediate effect" or "take effect immediately"?

Both "take "immediate effect"" and "take effect immediately" are grammatically acceptable, but "take "immediate effect"" is more common when something becomes effective immediately.