it is in effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is in effect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is currently active or in operation, often in legal or formal contexts. Example: "The new policy is in effect as of today, and all employees must adhere to its guidelines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Asked "who's leading the protesters," Mr. Black said that "it is in effect rather amorphous and leaderless".

Huffington Post

But the capital isn't just the movie's setting; it is, in effect, its subject.

The New Yorker

By fixing its currency to the dollar it is, in effect, being forced to adopt America's overly lax policy.

The Economist

Its subject is life in the crosshairs; it is, in effect, a found-footage horror film.

The New Yorker

When an underwriter underprices a hot Internet offering, it is, in effect, creating a slush fund for its favored customers.

Forbes

In others it is in effect voluntary.

The Economist

It is, in effect, a foreign language.

The Economist

It is, in effect, a chemical factory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is in effect a tribal movement.

The New York Times

It is in effect a separate play for Adani altogether.

The Guardian

It is, in effect, her way of talking.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is in effect", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being considered active or operational. For instance, specify when a policy "it is in effect" and what it entails.

Common error

Avoid using "it is in effect" without clarifying the specific duration or limitations of the effect. For example, stating "the rule it is in effect" without mentioning when it expires can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is in effect" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause to indicate that something is currently active, operational, or has a specific consequence. Ludwig confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase clarifies the status or impact of a given situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is in effect" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate that something is active, operational, or producing a specific outcome. As Ludwig's analysis shows, it's grammatically sound, frequently used, and appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news reports to formal communications. Its primary function is to convey the current state of affairs, ensuring clarity about the operational status or impact of a given situation. While "it is essentially" interchangeable with several alternative phrases, understanding the specific nuance you want to convey enables you to select the best option for clear and effective communication. The consistency of this analysis with Ludwig further confirms the phrase’s validity and usefulness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is essentially

Changes 'in effect' to 'essentially', which emphasizes the fundamental nature of something.

it is virtually

Replaces 'in effect' with 'virtually', suggesting that something is almost the same as something else.

it is practically

Substitutes 'in effect' with 'practically', indicating a real-world or functional equivalence.

it is tantamount to

Employs 'tantamount to' instead of 'in effect', conveying that something is virtually equivalent to something else, usually with negative connotations.

it amounts to

Replaces 'in effect' with 'amounts to', highlighting the end result or consequence.

it operates as

Substitutes 'in effect' with 'operates as', focusing on the functional aspect of something.

it functions as

Changes 'in effect' to 'functions as', emphasizing the purpose or role of something.

it works like

Replaces 'in effect' with 'works like', providing a more informal way to express similarity in function.

it serves as

Substitutes 'in effect' with 'serves as', stressing the utility or service provided by something.

it is regarded as

Changes 'in effect' to 'is regarded as', suggesting a common perception or assessment.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is in effect" to indicate that something is currently active or operational. For example, "The new regulation "it is in effect" as of today" or "The changes to the system "it is in effect" immediately".

What phrases are similar to "it is in effect"?

Similar phrases include "it is essentially", "it is virtually", or "it amounts to", each conveying a sense of practical equivalence or operational status.

When is it appropriate to use "it is in effect" in writing?

"It is in effect" is appropriate when discussing policies, regulations, or systems that are currently active. It's suitable for formal writing, business communications, and news reports where accuracy and clarity are essential.

Is there a difference between "it is in effect" and "it is in force"?

While both phrases indicate that something is active, "it is in effect" often implies that something is producing a specific result or consequence, whereas "it is in force" simply means that something is legally valid or operational. For instance, a law "it is in force" means it's legally valid, while a new policy "it is in effect" might imply how it changes operations.