language to that effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "language to that effect" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is typically used to refer to specific or similar language that has been previously mentioned or implied in a conversation or text. It is often used to summarize or restate a concept or idea. Here is an example of how it could be used in a sentence: "The contract states that the party in breach will be responsible for all associated fees, or similar language to that effect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Soon after, the Legislature passed explicit language to that effect.

The New York Times

This accord, like others negotiated by the Clinton administration, does not contain language to that effect.

The New York Times

If the Senate included language to that effect in its amendments, Mr. Hertz said, the department would oppose the entire package.

The New York Times

Past efforts to restrict ownership by doctors have stalled, but language to that effect is currently included in health care legislation in Congress, though in ways that are unlikely to hurt Doctors Hospital.

The New York Times

Although other Democrats could use it, prefaced with something like "well, you know the scuttlebutt I'm hearing is... .. or language to that effect.

Huffington Post

Instead, if Congress had wanted to provide unsubsidized coverage for federal exchanges in an act purporting to make healthcare more affordable and available, wouldn't one expect explicit language to that effect?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The hacking email that is referenced includes language to the effect that the hack was not successful.

The Guardian

Individuals are part of the class of plaintiffs if they are U.S. residents who purchased or received an iTunes Gift Card on which the card itself or its packaging contained language to the effect that songs were priced at $0.99 and who used the card to purchase one or more $1.29 songs from the iTunes Store on or before May 10 , 2010

Wikipedia

I would hope that the debt commitment letters have language to the effect of "[Bank] acknowledges that this commitment letter contains all of the material terms of the credit facility and cannot dispute its enforceability in a court of law on grounds of incompleteness or openness of terms.

The New York Times

Some bidders have even included language to this effect in their proposals, those close to the deal said.

The New York Times

Without very explicit language in the law to that effect, she said, there was no evidence that the voters understood that thousands of people and their families "would, after passage of Proposition 8, be unmarried".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "language to that effect" to refer back to a general idea or concept that has already been discussed, rather than repeating the exact words. This helps maintain brevity and flow.

Common error

Avoid using "language to that effect" when you should be providing a direct quote. This phrase is best used when summarizing or paraphrasing, not when precision is required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "language to that effect" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It indicates that a previous statement is being referred to in a general or summarized way, without quoting it exactly. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

14%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "language to that effect" is a grammatically correct and neutrally registered expression used to refer to a general idea without precisely quoting it. As Ludwig AI notes, it serves to summarize or restate a concept already introduced. While primarily found in News & Media, it also appears in Wiki and Science contexts. If you need to refer to previously stated content, using "language to that effect" can maintain brevity, but remember that if precision is required, a direct quotation is preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

words to that effect

Replaces "language" with "words", focusing on the specific wording used.

statements to that effect

Substitutes "language" with "statements", emphasizing the content being communicated.

comments to that effect

Replaces "language" with "comments", implying a more informal or conversational tone.

message to that effect

Focuses on the underlying message or communication.

something along those lines

Indicates a similar but not necessarily exact meaning.

a similar sentiment

Highlights the feeling or attitude being expressed.

substance to that effect

Emphasizes the core content or gist of what was said.

meaning to that effect

Focuses on the intended meaning behind the words.

concept to that effect

Highlights the underlying idea or notion.

assertions to that effect

Implies a more forceful or declarative statement.

FAQs

How can I use "language to that effect" in a sentence?

Use "language to that effect" to summarize or allude to a previously stated idea. For example, "The policy stated that all employees must attend the training, or "language to that effect"".

What phrases are similar to "language to that effect"?

Alternatives include "words to that effect", "something along those lines", or "a similar sentiment".

Is it appropriate to use "language to that effect" in formal writing?

Yes, "language to that effect" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but consider whether a more precise restatement or direct quote would be more effective.

Can "language to that effect" replace a direct quotation?

No, "language to that effect" should not be used when a direct quotation is necessary. It's used to indicate a paraphrased or summarized version of something that was said or written. If precision is key, use the actual quote.