in effect

USAGE SUMMARY

"in effect" is a perfectly grammatically correct phrase to use in written English.
This phrase is typically used to mean that something has or is having the effect of a specific thing, or that something is roughly the same as something else. For example, "The new policy, in effect, makes the requirements more difficult to meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Jinx in effect.

The New York Times

In effect, no change.

The Guardian

Meters remain in effect.

The New York Times

Evacs remain in effect.

The New York Times

In effect, another touchback.

The New York Times

In effect, he has.

Independent

They are, in effect, untouchable.

The Economist

They've in effect been exiled.

The New York Times

That resolution remains in effect.

The New York Times

In effect the Libyan model.

The Guardian

In effect three are crushed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in effect" to concisely convey that a particular action, policy, or situation has a specific result or consequence. It adds clarity by highlighting the practical outcome or impact.

Common error

While "in effect" is versatile, avoid overusing it in formal academic or scientific writing. Opt for more precise language to avoid ambiguity. Instead of "The policy, in effect, reduced costs", consider "The policy resulted in a cost reduction".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in effect" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the practical result or consequence of an action or situation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it highlights the actual impact or outcome, as seen in examples like "They are, "in effect", cash."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in effect" serves as a versatile phrase used to highlight the practical consequences or real-world impact of a situation. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and widely employed across various contexts. Its frequent appearance in news, encyclopedias, and scientific sources suggests a neutral register leaning towards professional use. Remember to use "in effect" to add clarity by highlighting the practical outcome or impact. While versatile, avoid overusing it in formal academic or scientific writing. Instead, opt for more precise language to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in practice

Focuses more on the actual application or reality of a situation.

virtually

Implies near equivalence but not necessarily complete or absolute equivalence.

essentially

Highlights the fundamental or core nature of something.

for all practical purposes

Emphasizes the pragmatic outcome or result.

tantamount to

Indicates that something is equivalent in its effect or consequence.

in reality

Contrasts with theory or expectation, focusing on the actual situation.

practically speaking

Highlights the practical implications of a situation.

as good as

Suggests something is nearly equivalent, though perhaps not perfectly.

to all intents and purposes

A more formal way of saying "in effect" or "practically".

de facto

Latin term meaning "in fact" or "in reality", often used in legal or political contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "in effect" to indicate the practical consequence or result of something, such as "The new law, "in effect", bans smoking in public places".

What's a simple way to explain the meaning of "in effect"?

A simple way to explain "in effect" is "essentially" or "virtually". It means that something is true or happens in practice, even if not officially or explicitly.

What can I say instead of "in effect"?

You can use alternatives like "essentially", "virtually", or "practically" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "in effect" and "into effect"?

"In effect" means that something is actually happening or true, while "into effect" means that something is starting to operate or become valid, as in, "The new regulations went into effect on January 1st".