overall effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overall effect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the sum total or general outcome of a situation. For example, "The overall effect of this new policy is to benefit the whole community".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The overall effect?

Independent

The overall effect was intoxicating.

The New York Times - Travel

The overall effect is deadly.

The Economist

The overall effect was oppressive.

The Guardian

The overall effect was sublime.

The New York Times - Food

Its overall effect was infantalising.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The overall effect is beneficial".

The Guardian

The overall effect is ridiculous.

The Guardian - Music

The overall effect is enchanting.

The New York Times

But the overall effect was a disappointment.

The New York Times

It will have the same overall effect.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overall effect" to summarize a complex situation after detailing the various contributing elements.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the significance of the "overall effect". Ensure your assessment is proportional to the evidence and doesn't overemphasize the impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overall effect" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It is used to describe the general or cumulative result of a situation, action, or set of conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Food

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "overall effect" is a versatile and frequently used noun phrase that describes the general or cumulative impact of a situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news and media to academic writing. When using the phrase, be specific about the contributing factors and avoid exaggeration. Alternatives like "net result" or "final impact" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. The high frequency of examples in Ludwig underscores its common usage, particularly in news and media. Be sure to check authoritative sources and the advice here to optimize usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

total impact

This refers to the complete and combined impact.

net result

This phrase focuses on the final outcome after all factors are considered.

end consequence

This phrase emphasizes the final outcome or result.

net influence

This describes the overall influence after accounting for various factors.

final impact

This phrase highlights the ultimate influence or effect.

resultant outcome

This emphasizes the outcome that results from a specific process or action.

culminating outcome

This phrase emphasizes the outcome that results from a series of events.

ultimate impression

This phrase refers to the final feeling or perception created.

general impression

This phrase relates to the broad feeling or perception created.

aggregate influence

This phrase highlights the combined influence of multiple factors.

FAQs

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

You can use "overall effect" to describe the general outcome or impression resulting from a combination of factors. For example, "The "overall effect of the policy" was positive."

What's a good alternative to "overall effect"?

Alternatives include "net result", "final impact", or "general impression", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "overall overall effect"?

Yes, using "overall" twice is redundant. Stick to simply "overall effect" for clarity and conciseness.

What is the difference between "overall effect" and "specific effect"?

"Overall effect" refers to the cumulative or general impact, while "specific effect" refers to a particular, isolated consequence. The "specific effect" might be one component contributing to the "overall effect".