principal effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principal effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the main or most significant outcome or result of a particular action, event, or phenomenon. Example: "The principal effect of the new policy was a noticeable increase in employee productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Whereas Innis sees communication technology principally affecting social organization and culture, McLuhan sees its principal effect on sensory organization and thought.

Wikipedia

Instead, its principal effect is to delay ovulation.

The New York Times

Its principal effect is to narrow our emotional and mental field of vision.

The New Yorker

Isis, aside from the humanitarian catastrophe spawned by Assad, is the principal effect.

The Guardian - Opinion

Accordingly, the principal effect such attacks had on our relationship was to keep him in awe of me.

The New Yorker

The principal effect of their presence is revealed in the advent of Pueblo architecture in Hohokam territory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the principal effect of cutting interest rates is to boost domestic demand, which would risk raising inflation.

The Economist

It found that "the principal effect of UK shale gas production and use will be that it displaces imported LNG, or possibly piped gas from outside Europe.

The Guardian

As Justice Anthony M. Kennedy wrote for the majority: "DOMA's principal effect is to identify a subset of state-sanctioned marriages and make them unequal".

The New York Times

The principal effect of Drusus' proposals was to win votes away from Gaius Gracchus, who was defeated in his third bid for the tribunate (for 121).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The principal effect of high pressure, observed in all materials, is a reduction in volume and a corresponding shortening of mean interatomic distances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "principal effect" when you want to emphasize the most important or significant outcome of a situation. It adds clarity and weight to your statement.

Common error

Avoid confusing "principal", which means main or primary, with "principle", which means a fundamental truth or proposition. For example, use "the principal effect" and not "the principle effect" when discussing a primary outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principal effect" functions primarily as a noun phrase. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase commonly identifies the most important outcome or result of a particular action, event, or condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "principal effect" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that denotes the main or most significant outcome of something. According to Ludwig AI, it's commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When writing, ensure you don't confuse "principal" with "principle". Alternatives like "primary result" or "major impact" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Use "principal effect" when you want to clearly emphasize the primary outcome of a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main consequence

Replaces 'effect' with 'consequence', emphasizing the result or outcome.

primary result

Substitutes 'principal' with 'primary' and 'effect' with 'result', highlighting the main outcome.

primary outcome

Replaces 'principal' with 'primary' and focuses on the result achieved.

major impact

Uses 'impact' instead of 'effect', focusing on the significant influence.

chief outcome

Emphasizes the most important result.

key consequence

Highlights the essential result or ramification.

predominant effect

Emphasizes the effect that is the most noticeable or powerful.

leading effect

Highlights the most important or prominent effect.

central effect

Indicates the effect that is the most important or focal.

overriding effect

Highlights the effect that is more important than any other effect.

FAQs

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

You can use "principal effect" to describe the primary or most significant outcome of something. For example, "The "principal effect of the policy" was a reduction in unemployment."

What's the difference between "principal effect" and "main effect"?

"Principal effect" and "main effect" are very similar and often interchangeable. "Principal" emphasizes the importance or dominance of the effect, while "main" simply denotes the primary one. In most contexts, you can use either phrase.

What can I say instead of "principal effect"?

You can use alternatives like "primary result", "major impact", or "chief outcome" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "principal effect"?

The phrase "principal effect" is grammatically sound and widely accepted. However, ensure you're using "principal" (meaning main) and not confusing it with "principle" (a rule or belief). Also, confirm that "effect" accurately describes an outcome rather than an influence (which might call for "impact" instead).