Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
so effective as it
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "so effective as it" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be an incomplete comparison and would typically require additional context to clarify its meaning. Example: "This method is not so effective as it was in the past."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Academia
Alternative expressions(5)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
4 human-written examples
It's useful in reminding people to vote or register – though not so effective as it claims, otherwise we wouldn't be missing so many youthful voters this time around.
News & Media
This type of oven has been used for hundreds of years in Britain; it's just so effective as it retains the heat well.
News & Media
That process of continual refinement has never been so effective as it has been for Eve Online, the science-fiction game first opened to the public by CCP of Iceland in May 2003.
News & Media
You're right, the Obama campaign used social media brilliantly – that's the main reason Hillary Clinton's campaign for 2016 partly launched with a tweet from her. It's useful in reminding people to vote or register – though not so effective as it claims, otherwise we wouldn't be missing so many youthful voters this time around.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
Although it is unlikely that proteomic approaches will become so effective as to render them diagnostic, it is possible that the quantitative analysis of large panels of potential biomarkers by mass spectrometry-based techniques such as selective reaction monitoring may increase current screening sensitivity and specificity to a very high level.
Science
The contention that the Rights Plan alters the structure more than do other defensive mechanisms because it is so effective as to make the corporation completely safe from hostile tender offers is likewise without merit.
Academia
Insect Allies might be so effective as an gene-editing technology that it could become a standard procedure for farmers, said Guy Reeves, a co-author of the Science paper and an evolutionary biologist at Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology.
News & Media
It wasn't just that the aria was brilliantly sung but also that it was so effective as an endpoint bringing the release of tension that had steadily built up.
News & Media
It's so effective as source material that most books or shows don't bother to play with the form itself at all it's enough to just have a dead white girl show up in a field somewhere and let the thing play itself out.
News & Media
It is part of what makes Mr. Letterman so effective as an entertainer.
News & Media
It's one way of addressing the problem, though not nearly so effective as banning the guns.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using comparative constructions, ensure the comparison is complete and clear. Instead of "so effective as it", specify what "it" is being compared to for better clarity.
Common error
Avoid using "so effective as it" without specifying the point of comparison. This incomplete structure can confuse readers. Provide the missing element, like: "not so effective as it once was".
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "so effective as it" functions as a comparative connector, although it's often incomplete. As Ludwig AI points out, this incomplete structure makes it grammatically questionable. The phrase attempts to establish a comparison regarding effectiveness.
Frequent in
News & Media
33%
Science
33%
Academia
33%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "so effective as it" is grammatically questionable and rarely used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. When intending a comparison, it's crucial to complete the phrase to avoid ambiguity. Common contexts for this phrase include news, science, and academia. Due to its potential for misinterpretation, it's advisable to opt for clearer and more direct alternatives like "as effective as", "not as effective as", or "equally effective as" to enhance clarity and precision in writing. Remember to always ensure a complete comparison to avoid confusing your audience.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
quite as effective as it
Adds emphasis to the comparison of effectiveness.
just as effective as it
Highlights the equivalence in effectiveness.
as effective as it
Omits "so", often used for comparison.
similarly effective as it
Emphasis on similarity in terms of effectiveness.
not as effective as it
Highlights reduced effectiveness compared to something else.
not as effective as
Similar, but often used for something tangible.
as efficient as it
Replaces "effective" with "efficient", implying a similar result with less waste.
as potent as it
Substitutes "effective" with "potent", suggesting strength or power.
to the same degree as it
Replaces "effective" with "to the same degree", formal alternative.
comparable in effectiveness to it
Formal and elaborate substitute for "effective".
FAQs
How can I correctly use "so effective as it" in a sentence?
The phrase "so effective as it" is often incomplete. To use it correctly, ensure you complete the comparison, for example: "It's not "so effective as it used to be"".
What's a more grammatically sound alternative to "so effective as it"?
Better alternatives include "as effective as", "not as effective as", or "equally effective as", depending on the context and intended meaning.
Is "so effective as it" considered formal or informal language?
Due to its somewhat awkward structure, "so effective as it" is generally best avoided in formal writing. Opt for clearer and more direct alternatives like "as effective as".
What is the difference between "as effective as it" and "so effective as it"?
While similar, "as effective as it" is generally more grammatically sound. "So effective as it" typically requires a negative or limiting word (e.g., "not") to make sense, indicating a lack of effectiveness compared to something else.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested