is only effective

USAGE SUMMARY

"only effective" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that a certain action will be successful or has had successful results. For example: "The new marketing campaign is only effective if it reaches the right target audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Clearly, appraisal is only effective if the results are used effectively.

Huffington Post

The hormone is only effective by injection, doctors agree.

The New York Times

Barbour contends that lobbying is only "effective at the margins," but this is vintage self-deprecation.

The New York Times - Magazine

This system is only effective if the local police are efficient.

The New York Times

But, like all wartime propaganda, it is only effective if it plausibly describes reality.

The Guardian - Opinion

But training is only effective when it is consistent and constant.

The New York Times

Being adept at gaming the system is only effective if you stay resilient.

The Guardian

But promoting new talent is only effective when there is something genuinely relevant behind it.

The New York Times

While I agree to some extent with the sentiment, environmental law is only effective if it can be implemented.

The Guardian

But the legislation, which was created at a federal level, is only effective if it is passed by state governments.

The Guardian

The reason I put it over Rock's left eye was because Lennox Lewis is only effective with the right hand".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "is only effective" with a qualifying statement to clarify the scope and conditions under which the effectiveness applies. For example, "This strategy is only effective if resources are allocated properly."

Common error

Avoid presenting "is only effective" as universally applicable. Always acknowledge the limitations to maintain credibility and accuracy. For instance, instead of saying "This medication is effective", clarify with "This medication is only effective for certain types of infections".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is only effective" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a subject by asserting a conditional or limited effectiveness. As Ludwig AI explains, it emphasizes that success or impact is not guaranteed universally but relies on specific circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is only effective" is a common and grammatically correct construction used to indicate that the effectiveness of something is conditional or limited. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. As seen across various sources, it frequently appears in contexts such as News & Media and Science, highlighting the importance of clearly defining the conditions under which something works. To ensure clarity, always specify those conditions when using the phrase. Common errors include overstating effectiveness, so be sure to acknowledge limitations. Alternatives like "is merely effective" or "is solely effective" can provide nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is merely effective

Replaces "only" with "merely", suggesting a basic level of effectiveness without being exceptional.

is solely effective

Emphasizes that it is effective and nothing else. Replaces "only" with "solely", meaning alone or exclusively.

is exclusively effective

Highlights that its effectiveness is limited to specific circumstances. Replaces "only" with "exclusively", focusing on limitation.

is just effective

Replaces "only" with "just", indicating a minimal level of effectiveness.

is simply effective

Suggests that something is effective in a straightforward way; it's uncomplicated.

is effective solely

Inverts the word order to emphasize that the effect is derived from one thing and one thing only.

is effective exclusively

Highlights that the effectiveness is limited to certain factors alone.

is effective merely

Indicates effectiveness at a basic level, with little added benefit.

is effective specifically

The effectiveness is confined to a particular purpose, person or thing.

is contingent upon

Shifts the focus to dependence on certain conditions being met for effectiveness.

FAQs

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

Use "is only effective" to specify the limited conditions under which something achieves a desired result. For example, "The vaccine "is only effective if" administered before exposure".

What are some alternatives to using "is only effective"?

Alternatives include "is merely effective", "is solely effective", or "is contingent upon", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is only effective" in my writing?

Use "is only effective" when you need to emphasize that the positive outcome of something depends on specific conditions or limitations, ensuring clarity and accuracy.

What's the difference between "is only effective" and "is always effective"?

"Is only effective" specifies a conditional effectiveness, while "is always effective" implies universal effectiveness. The former acknowledges limitations, while the latter makes a broad claim.