left in effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left in effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a particular rule, law, or decision remains valid or operational despite other changes or circumstances. Example: "The previous regulations were left in effect until the new policies were fully implemented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"The choice was left, in effect, to just three people – George W Bush, Vladimir Putin and Hu Jintao.

The Guardian

In Belgium and Luxembourg, which had been incorporated into France under Napoleon, his codes were simply left in effect.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Under Mubarak-era laws left in effect by the country's new Constitution, a state of emergency suspends the ordinary judicial process and most civil rights.

The New York Times

After protesters on Thursday were turned back outside the American Embassy by tear-gas volleys and water cannons, popular fury against the United States was left, in effect, looking for a more accessible target.

The New York Times

"While we agree that the UK Border Agency should not spend unlimited time trying to track down missing applicants, we are concerned about the high proportion of cases which will be left, in effect, in limbo," the report said.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"I would find that extraordinary, that they say it's racist but we are going to leave in effect all of the sentences that have previously been imposed," he said.

The New York Times

A 4-4 tie would mean litigation against the polluters could go forward, because that would leave in effect the earlier decision by the appeals court.

Science Magazine

Until then, No Child Left Behind will, in effect, continue to leave children behind -- something that no one wants to see happen.

Huffington Post

Although they are typically left in place, the effects of these retained metal fragments on nerve healing have not been studied.

Journal of the American College of Surgeons

All variables were assessed for potential confounding; variables that changed estimates by >20% were left in the main effects models as confounders (6 ).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

In that effort, he has a high-profile supporter — Rod Paige, the former United States secretary of education who under President George W. Bush helped put No Child Left Behind in effect and became chairman of the tutoring company's advisory board in 2011.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "left in effect", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific rule, law, or state is being maintained. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

A common mistake is using the incorrect tense when describing something "left in effect". Always ensure the tense aligns with the timeline you are presenting (e.g., use past tense if referring to a past event).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left in effect" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb to indicate the continuation or persistence of a particular state, rule, or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to show that something was not changed and remained valid. The examples show that the phrase describes laws, decisions, or states that persist.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "left in effect" is a prepositional phrase indicating that something remains valid or operational. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is most frequently used in news, encyclopedias and science contexts, with a neutral to formal register. While not as common as some alternatives, it is a useful phrase for clarity when describing the continuation of rules, laws, or conditions. Remember to use appropriate tense and provide clear context to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained valid

Focuses on the continued validity, emphasizing that something hasn't expired or been nullified.

continued in force

Highlights the ongoing enforcement or application of a rule or law.

stayed operative

Emphasizes the functional aspect, indicating that something is still working or in operation.

persisted unchanged

Focuses on the lack of alteration or modification over time.

was maintained

Stresses the act of keeping something in its current state.

remained in place

Indicates that something was not removed or replaced.

carried on

Suggests a continuation of activities or processes without interruption.

held sway

Implies influence or control that continues over a period.

endured

Highlights the ability to last or remain despite challenges or changes.

was upheld

Focuses on the act of supporting or defending a decision or rule, ensuring its continuation.

FAQs

How can I use "left in effect" in a sentence?

You can use "left in effect" to indicate that a law, rule, or agreement remained valid or operational. For example, "The previous regulations were "left in effect" until the new policies were fully implemented".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "left in effect"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "remained valid", "continued in force", or "stayed operative", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "remained in effect" instead of "left in effect"?

Yes, "remained in effect" is a correct and often interchangeable alternative to ""left in effect"". Both phrases indicate that something continued to be valid or operational.

What does it mean when something is described as "left in effect"?

When something is described as ""left in effect"", it means that it was not changed, removed, or nullified, and it continued to operate or be valid without interruption.