Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
is effectively
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "is effectively" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is functioning in a certain way or achieving a particular result, often in a practical or real-world context. Example: "The new policy is effectively reducing the amount of waste produced by the company."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(20)
amounts to
is practically
in effect
is virtually
is tantamount to
for all intents and purposes
operates as
translates to
functions as
serves as
is essentially
is more a narration of
is more a result of
is more a reflection of
can be best described as
is essentially about
is primarily due to
is actually
is more a kind of
is more a function of
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
59 human-written examples
Its debt is effectively isolated.
News & Media
The ministry is effectively paralysed".
News & Media
It is "effectively bankrupt".
News & Media
That money is effectively already spent.
News & Media
But that, too, is effectively ruled out.
News & Media
"The plane is effectively sandblasted," he said.
News & Media
In research terms, that is effectively today.
News & Media
(It is, effectively, a national sales tax).
News & Media
The region is, effectively, coming apart.
News & Media
The result is effectively dreamlike.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
1 human-written examples
He was effectively wild.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "is effectively" to convey that something achieves a particular result or functions in a certain way, even if not explicitly stated. For instance, "The new software is effectively streamlining our workflow".
Common error
Avoid using "is effectively" when a more precise term is available, especially in formal writing. For example, instead of saying "The project is effectively complete", use "The project is nearing completion" or "The project is substantially complete".
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "is effectively" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate the actual or practical result of a situation or action. As noted by Ludwig AI, it signifies that something operates or has a certain effect in practice.
Frequent in
News & Media
76%
Science
14%
Formal & Business
4%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "is effectively" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate that something operates or results in a particular way in practice. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It commonly appears in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While generally neutral in register, it should be used with consideration for more precise alternatives in formal writing. By avoiding overuse and maintaining awareness of contextual appropriateness, writers can "is effectively" to communicate practical outcomes with clarity and precision.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
is practically
This phrase highlights the practical, real-world effect or condition.
is virtually
This indicates a state that's almost entirely the same as another.
in effect
This alternative is shorter and directly points to the actual result.
is tantamount to
This phrase means virtually the same as something, especially something bad.
amounts to
This alternative suggests an equivalent outcome or result.
for all intents and purposes
This longer phrase emphasizes the practical reality of a situation.
operates as
Focuses on the functional equivalence between two things.
translates to
Suggests a conversion or result that is practically equivalent.
functions as
Suggests that something operates in the same manner as something else.
serves as
Highlights the role or purpose something fulfills, similar to the original phrase.
FAQs
How can I use "is effectively" in a sentence?
The phrase "is effectively" indicates that something operates or results in a particular way in practice. For example, "The border is effectively closed due to the new regulations".
What are some alternatives to "is effectively"?
You can use alternatives like "amounts to", "is practically", or "in effect" depending on the context.
Is it appropriate to use "is effectively" in formal writing?
While "is effectively" is generally acceptable, consider using more precise language in formal contexts to avoid ambiguity. Options might include "substantially is" or "practically is".
What's the difference between "is effectively" and "is literally"?
"Is effectively" means something functions or results in a particular way, while "is literally" means something is exactly as stated. For example, "The room is effectively a storage space" implies it's used as storage, while "The room is literally a storage space" confirms its design as a storage area.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested