is effective at

USAGE SUMMARY

"is effective at" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a particular thing or activity that has a successful or positive outcome. For example: This new medication is effective at reducing pain.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Perceived effectiveness was measured using the stem "... is effective at helping motivated smokers to stop smoking".

BMC Family Practice

His resignation is effective at the end of the season.

The New York Times - Sports

The retirement is effective at the end of the season.

The New York Times - Sports

His resignation is effective at the end of the month.

The New York Times

Israel is effective at placing pressure on America, via Congress.

The Economist

Tackle Lincoln Kennedy anchors a line that is effective at both run and pass blocking.

The New York Times - Sports

Berenson is effective at showing how slippery "the number" could be in practice.

The New York Times - Books

The blood-brain barrier, a thin membrane surrounding, is effective at keeping out most foreign bodies.

The New York Times

"And she is effective at getting as much as her boss will let her get".

The New York Times

The army learned not only that Bacillus anthracis is effective at destroying sheep.

The Economist

Despite its dismal record in fixing leaky pipes, it is effective at generating cash.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is effective at", ensure the object performing the action and the action itself are clearly defined to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is effective at" with abstract nouns or concepts that cannot perform actions. For example, instead of saying "The strategy is effective at success", say "The strategy is effective at achieving success".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is effective at" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's ability to produce a desired result or outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is effective at" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to describe something's ability to achieve a desired result. According to Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedic writing. The phrase is commonly used, especially in science-related fields. Related phrases include "is proficient in", "is adept at", and "is capable of", offering alternative ways to express similar meanings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by clearly defining the acting object and the action itself. Avoid using it with abstract nouns that cannot perform actions. In summary, "is effective at" is a reliable and useful phrase for expressing efficacy, provided it's used with precision and in appropriate contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is successful in

Focuses on achieving a desired outcome or result.

is capable of

Focuses on the inherent ability or capacity to do something.

is efficient in

Highlights the ability to achieve results with minimal waste of time or resources.

is adept at

Highlights natural talent or quickness in performing an action.

is instrumental in

Indicates a key role or importance in bringing about a particular result.

is skilled in

Similar to "is proficient in", but can also imply a learned ability.

is proficient in

Emphasizes skill or expertise in a specific area, rather than general effectiveness.

is competent in

Suggests a satisfactory level of skill or ability, without necessarily implying excellence.

is productive in

Emphasizes the generation of output or results.

excels in

Indicates superior performance or achievement in a particular field or activity.

FAQs

How can I use "is effective at" in a sentence?

Use "is effective at" to describe something that achieves a desired result or outcome. For instance, "This treatment is effective at reducing symptoms".

What are some alternatives to "is effective at"?

You can use alternatives such as "is proficient in", "is adept at", or "is capable of" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "is effective at" and "is efficient at"?

"Is effective at" focuses on achieving a desired result, while "is efficient at" emphasizes achieving the result with minimal waste of time or resources.

When is it appropriate to use "is effective at" in formal writing?

"Is effective at" is suitable for formal writing when you need to clearly and concisely state that something achieves a particular purpose or outcome. It is common in scientific, business, and academic contexts.