term in effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "term in effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific period during which a contract, agreement, or policy is active and enforceable. Example: "The terms of the agreement will remain in effect until both parties agree to modifications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Such a claim must show that the material adverse change — that is, damage to the company — is long term in effect as well as unexpected.

The New York Times

What is truly stunning, however, is that retirement experts are saying that the best use of modest retirement sums is to spend them in the near term, in effect buying time for one's Social Security benefit to grow.

The New York Times

What implications does that have for global climate change and clean, renewable energy technologies ? A. One of the challenges is to increasingly move to cleaner fuels, including gas, looking at gas as an opportunity to reduce CO2 emissions in the near term, in effect a bridge fuel, while at the same time recognizing that it may not be the ultimate solution.

The New York Times

It is a measure of his reputation that his dramatic works were the first to be published in folio (the term, in effect, means the "collected works") and that his plays held their place on the stage until the period of the Restoration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The Paris Club always insists on "comparability" in the treatment of other creditors—so that none is offered better terms, in effect being paid off with the proceeds of the club's leniency.

The Economist

That test comes in literary terms, in effect stopping the action with a grand series of asides and analyses which aren't a matter of the narration of the hunt but a narration of what happens to be passing through Hemingway's mind at a given moment.

The New Yorker

The problem is that what's required to do just that is fairly unpredictable in terms of outcome and very long-term in effect.

BBC

It's a fair guess that porno never felt more gorgeously secure than when Clinton, in his second term, became in effect the porno president.

The Guardian - Books

The air stabilization board said yesterday that those terms remained in effect with the further condition of an approved reorganization plan by the bankruptcy court.

The New York Times

A severability clause, common in contracts, says that if any terms of the deal are ruled illegal, the other terms remain in effect, in this case the easement.

The New York Times

Contracts for the orchestra and chorus expired in the spring, but the terms remain in effect.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing legal or formal documents, use "term in effect" to clearly specify that a particular clause, agreement, or regulation is currently active and enforceable. This leaves no ambiguity about its current validity.

Common error

Avoid using "term in effect" when you mean "taking effect". "Term in effect" indicates a condition that is already active, while "taking effect" refers to the moment when something becomes active. Using the wrong phrase can create ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "term in effect" primarily functions as a descriptive element, often used to specify the active or valid state of an agreement, regulation, or condition. This usage is supported by Ludwig's examples, which show its application in legal, business, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "term in effect" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that indicates the active or valid state of an agreement, law, or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and highlights its use across various contexts such as legal, business, and general communication. While alternatives like "in force" or "operative" exist, "term in effect" is particularly useful for ensuring clarity and certainty in formal documentation. When using this phrase, avoid confusion with similar expressions like "taking effect", which refers to the commencement of something, not its current state. Its formality makes it more suitable for professional or neutral contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in force

Indicates that a law, rule, or agreement is currently valid and being implemented; more concise.

operative

Describes something that is currently functioning or having an effect; slightly more formal.

valid

Signifies that something is legally or officially binding; focuses on the legitimacy.

in operation

Highlights the active functioning of a system or agreement; emphasizes the ongoing process.

currently applicable

Emphasizes the present relevance and applicability of a rule or condition; more descriptive.

remaining valid

Highlights the continued validity of something, implying that it was valid before and still is.

still in effect

Indicates that a term or condition has not changed and continues to apply; emphasizes continuity.

in execution

Focuses on the actual carrying out or performance of a plan or agreement; implies action.

under implementation

Suggests that something is being actively put into practice; emphasizes the process of making it effective.

presently binding

Highlights the current legal or moral obligation; emphasizes the enforceable nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "term in effect" to indicate that a specific condition, agreement, or law is currently active and enforceable. For example: "The "terms of the agreement" will remain "in effect" until both parties agree to modifications".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "term in effect"?

Alternatives include "in force", "operative", or "valid" depending on the context. Each alternative slightly alters the emphasis of the statement.

What is the difference between "term in effect" and "taking effect"?

"Term in effect" refers to something that is currently active and valid, while "taking effect" describes the moment something becomes active or operational. For example, "The new regulations are "taking effect" next month, and the "current terms" will remain "in effect" until then".

Is it correct to say "terms remain in effect"?

Yes, "terms remain in effect" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate that the existing conditions or stipulations of an agreement, contract, or policy continue to be valid and enforceable without any changes.