more effective at

USAGE SUMMARY

"more effective at" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to compare the effectiveness of two or more things. For example: "The new method is more effective at reducing costs than the old one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Renewables are much more effective at converting energy into electricity.

The Guardian

Will the new cabinet prove more effective at reforming?

The Economist

Many researchers are skeptical that concealed appeals are more effective at changing behavior than overt ones.

The New York Times

This, they claim, was 88% more effective at helping patients swallow capsules than more common approaches.

The Guardian

"We believe our approach is more effective at encouraging cost efficiency".

The Guardian - Business

"We made them more efficient and more effective at what they were doing," Kelly said.

The New Yorker

These measures are far more effective at reducing tuberculosis in cattle.

The Guardian

In fact, no religious forces are more effective at using the technical instruments of modernity.

The New York Times - Magazine

He said this approach was "more effective at preventing reoffending" and supported by victims.

The Guardian

In theory, drugs derived from such compounds would be more effective at lower doses.

The New York Times

(However, recent studies have found it no more effective at killing bacteria than plain soap).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two methods or approaches, use "more effective at" to clearly state which one yields better results. For example: "Using visuals is "more effective at" conveying complex information than using only text".

Common error

Avoid using "more effective to" as it's grammatically incorrect. The correct preposition to use with "effective" in this context is "at". Example: "She is "more effective at" managing her time, not "more effective to" manage her time."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more effective at" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, indicating a higher degree of success or efficacy in performing a specific action or task. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a perfectly acceptable and standard phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more effective at" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to compare the efficacy of different approaches or methods. As Ludwig AI underlines, this phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English. It's appropriate for various contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure that you are clearly comparing two distinct actions or methods and that the preposition "at" is correctly used. Remember that while alternatives like "better at" exist, "more effective at" offers a specific nuance focused on achieving superior results.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

better at

Focuses on superiority in performance or quality, simpler and more direct.

more skilled at

Emphasizes proficiency and expertise in performing a task.

more proficient in

Highlights competence and advanced ability in a specific area.

superior at

Suggests a higher level of accomplishment or quality.

excels in

Indicates outstanding performance and achievement.

more adept at

Implies natural talent and skill in handling a task.

stronger in

Highlights strength and capability in a specific area.

more successful with

Focuses on achieving favorable outcomes and results.

outperforms in

Indicates superior performance compared to others.

more efficient in

Highlights the ability to achieve more with less waste.

FAQs

How can I use "more effective at" in a sentence?

Use "more effective at" to compare the efficacy of two or more actions or methods. For example, "This strategy is "more effective at" reducing errors than the previous one."

What are some alternatives to "more effective at"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "better at", "more skilled at", or "superior at".

Is it correct to say "more effective to" instead of "more effective at"?

No, the correct phrasing is "more effective at". Using "to" instead of "at" is grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "more effective at" and "more efficient at"?

"More effective at" refers to achieving a better outcome or result, while "more efficient at" refers to achieving the same outcome with less wasted time, resources, or effort.