indirect effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indirect effect" is correct and usable in written English.
You may use this phrase when you are referring to a consequence that has occurred as a result of something else. For example: The introduction of the new computer system had an indirect effect on the company's overall efficiency.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The direct effect or the indirect effect?

Yale University

The indirect effect, the strategic effect.

Yale University

Mahowald, N. Aerosol indirect effect on biogeochemical cycles and climate.

Nature

The strategic effect, the indirect effect is bigger.

Yale University

But takeovers also have an indirect effect on governance.

Harvard University

Several analysts said they thought that Leopard would have only an indirect effect on Macintosh sales.

The New York Times - Tech

One is the indirect effect of the stimulation of the economy by federal spending.

The New Yorker

Your choices have only a mysterious, indirect effect on what happens on the field.

The New Yorker

I think all the excitement that came with this had an indirect effect on what happened".

The Guardian - Sport

Among these are changes that could have a more immediate, although still indirect, effect on consumers.

The New York Times

These simulations are designed to yield both (1) the true indirect effect of interest (pure and/or total indirect effect) and (2) the observed indirect effect.

Annals of Epidemiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "indirect effect" to describe unintended or less obvious consequences, reserving "direct effect" for immediate and easily attributable results.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because two things are related, one directly caused the other. The "indirect effect" might be influenced by other factors or have an alternative explanation. Ensure sufficient evidence supports your claim of an indirect relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indirect effect" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a consequence that is not the direct or immediate result of an action, but rather a secondary or less obvious outcome. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

31%

News & Media

38%

Science

27%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "indirect effect" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term across diverse fields, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to describe a secondary consequence or ramification arising from an action, distinct from its immediate results. While applicable across various contexts, it is particularly prevalent in academic, scientific, and news reporting. When employing this phrase, prioritize clear articulation of the cause-and-effect relationship to avoid confusion. Ludwig AI validates the widespread and proper use of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secondary consequence

Emphasizes the consequence being a result of something else.

downstream impact

Suggests an effect further along a chain of events.

ripple effect

Implies a spreading, cascading effect.

unintended outcome

Highlights the unplanned or unexpected nature of the effect.

collateral impact

Focuses on the incidental or additional nature of the effect.

ancillary result

Indicates a supporting or subsidiary outcome.

knock-on effect

Highlights a chain reaction of consequences.

subsequent influence

Emphasizes the effect happening later in time.

derivative consequence

Indicates the consequence stems from another source.

consequential ramification

Highlights the complex and far-reaching implications of the effect.

FAQs

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

Use "indirect effect" to describe a consequence that occurs as a result of an initial action, but not immediately or obviously. For example, "The new policy had an "indirect effect" on employee morale".

What's the difference between "direct effect" and "indirect effect"?

A direct effect is a clear and immediate consequence of an action. An "indirect effect", however, is a secondary consequence that occurs through an intermediary mechanism or series of events.

What are some alternatives to using "indirect effect"?

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives like "secondary consequence", "ripple effect", or "unintended outcome".

Is it always negative when referring to an "indirect effect"?

No, an "indirect effect" can be either positive or negative. It simply refers to a consequence that is not the primary or intended result. It's the nature of the consequence and not how it occurs that determines whether it is positive or negative.