means to effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "means to effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining the purpose or intention behind an action or decision, often in a formal or academic context. Example: "The new policy means to effect positive change in the organization by improving employee engagement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Now its ranking has dived.Yet if Mr Assad has given himself better means to effect rapid change, he must act quickly.

The Economist

But he hoped the party's participation in elections would simply expose Americans to libertarian views as a means to effect change.

The New York Times

Dewey saw his reconstruction of philosophical ethics as a means to effect this practical reconstruction.

SEP

Many utilities are promoting PEV adoption as a means to effect electrification.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Over the past 15 years, CBPR has gained recognition and acceptance and is now valued as a means to effect change and provide scientific knowledge relevant to human health and the environment.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Over the past 15 years, CBPR has gained wider recognition and acceptance and is now valued as a means to effect change and to provide scientific knowledge relevant to human health and the environment.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Our study emphasises the importance of multi-factorial experimental design as a means to investigate effects of climatic changes.

Soil Biology and Biochemistry

The intervention was seen as a means to tackle effects of aging by staying active.

Clinical interventions in aging

If we combine "rectification" with the idea of "pushing into effect," then the word for government means "to push into effect the process of rectification".

Huffington Post

This one is simple to remember; affect means to influence and effect means to cause.

WikiHow

An effect means an influence; to effect means to put into effect; to affect means either to influence or to fake.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "means to effect" when you want to emphasize the intention behind an action. It is particularly suitable for formal writing where clarity and purpose are key.

Common error

Avoid confusing "affect" (to influence) with "effect" (a result). "Means to affect" would indicate the tools used to influence something, which is different from achieving a specific outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "means to effect" functions as a connector indicating the purpose or method by which a particular outcome is achieved. Ludwig AI confirms that it frames how a specific objective is intended to be realized. Examples show its use in diverse contexts, from scientific research to policy changes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "means to effect" is a grammatically correct connector used to describe how a particular outcome is achieved. While less common than simpler alternatives, it finds use in formal contexts such as science, news, and business. Ludwig AI confirms its function is to highlight the intended purpose behind an action. Remember to avoid confusing "effect" with "affect", and consider more common phrases for informal writing. When writing, it is important to highlight the intentions and methods for achieving positive social change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ways to achieve

Focuses on the method of accomplishment rather than the intent.

methods for realizing

Emphasizes making something real or concrete.

approaches to implement

Highlights a structured or planned way of putting something into action.

strategies for enacting

Suggests a carefully devised plan to bring about a specific outcome.

tactics to accomplish

Refers to specific actions taken to achieve a goal, often in a more immediate or practical sense.

techniques for attaining

Focuses on the skill or method used to reach a desired state.

instruments for securing

Implies using specific tools or resources to ensure a particular outcome.

avenues for generating

Suggests creating or producing a particular result through various channels.

mechanisms for instituting

Emphasizes establishing or setting up a system or process to achieve a desired effect.

formulas to trigger

Focuses on a precise combination of elements that leads to a specific reaction or result.

FAQs

How can I use "means to effect" in a sentence?

You can use "means to effect" to describe methods or resources used to bring about a particular result. For example: "Education is a "means to effect" positive social change."

What are some alternatives to "means to effect"?

Some alternatives include "ways to achieve", "methods for realizing", or "approaches to implement". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "means to effect" formal or informal?

"Means to effect" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, business, or professional writing. More informal contexts might use simpler alternatives.

What's the difference between "means to effect" and "intends to effect"?

"Means to effect" refers to the tools or methods used, while "intends to effect" describes the purpose or goal. You could say, "The policy means to use education to effect a change in public opinion".