possible effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possible effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential outcomes or consequences of a particular action or event. Example: "The researchers are studying the possible effect of the new drug on patients with chronic pain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The possible effect of inspections was hard to gauge.

The New York Times

But allow me to speculate about one other possible effect.

The New Yorker

Another possible effect is a temporary climb in inflation expectations.

The New York Times

Tells about possible effect of the scandal on the President's foreign policy plans.

The New Yorker

Her parents were worried about the possible effect of publicity on their children.

The New Yorker

Two doctors said yesterday that no one has done any studies to determine that possible effect.

The New York Times - Sports

He had worried about its possible effect on his friends Thomas Henry Huxley and Charles Lyell.

The Guardian

A secondary worry is the possible effect upon the investment that will soon be needed to keep the lights on.

The Guardian - Opinion

Characteristically, he played down the possible effect of the work but clearly enjoyed working in an undeveloped field again.

The New York Times

Meanwhile a start-up has warned on the possible effect on Britain's nascent technology sector of Cameron's plans.

The Guardian - Tech

Arrow said the acquisition will cause some overlap but he would not specify the possible effect on employment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing scenarios with uncertain outcomes, use "possible effect" to introduce potential consequences. This indicates that the effect is not guaranteed, but plausible.

Common error

Avoid using "possible effect" when a more definitive outcome is known. Instead, opt for phrases that reflect the degree of certainty, such as "likely effect" or "certain outcome".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possible effect" functions as a noun phrase, where "possible" modifies the noun "effect". It introduces the notion of a potential outcome or consequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "possible effect" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to discuss potential outcomes or consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It's versatile across contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal settings. When writing, be mindful not to overstate the certainty of effects and consider using alternative phrases like "potential impact" or "likely outcome" to better reflect the nuance of the situation. Be sure to consider the context and use other alternatives to make your writing clearer. Ultimately, mastering the use of "possible effect" and its alternatives enhances clarity and precision in expressing uncertainty about outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

potential consequence

Replaces "effect" with "consequence", emphasizing the result of an action or event.

potential impact

Substitutes "effect" with "impact", highlighting the influence or strong effect of something.

likely outcome

Replaces "possible effect" with a phrase that suggests a probable result.

conceivable result

Uses "conceivable" to indicate something that can be imagined or believed, instead of "possible".

plausible consequence

Employs "plausible" to denote something that is believable or realistic.

foreseeable repercussion

Replaces "effect" with "repercussion", indicating an indirect or unexpected consequence.

predictable outcome

Suggests an expected or anticipated result.

imaginable ramification

Substitutes "effect" with "ramification", implying a complex or branching consequence.

prospective development

Changes the focus to a future unfolding, using "development" instead of "effect".

achievable result

Emphasizes the attainability of a specific result or consequence.

FAQs

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

You can use "possible effect" to discuss potential outcomes or consequences of an action or event. For example, "The scientists are studying the "possible effect" of the new policy on the environment."

What are some alternatives to "possible effect"?

Alternatives include phrases like "potential impact", "likely outcome", or "conceivable result", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "possible effect" and "probable effect"?

"Possible effect" suggests that something could happen, while "probable effect" implies that it is likely to happen. The choice depends on the degree of certainty you want to convey.

When is it better to use "potential impact" instead of "possible effect"?

"Potential impact" is often used when discussing a significant or wide-ranging influence, whereas ""possible effect"" is a more general term that can refer to any kind of outcome.