this was effectively

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this was effectively" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was done in a way that achieved the intended result or had a significant impact. Example: "This was effectively a turning point in the negotiations, leading to a successful agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

This was effectively a declaration that a future Conservative government will abandon the most cost-effective method of producing clean energy in the British Isles (something that three-quarters of the public, but a much lower proportion of Tory voters, are in favour of).

The Guardian - Opinion

But this was effectively ignored by economists.

The Guardian - Business

This was effectively the end of the Ernie Grunfeld era.

The New York Times - Sports

This was effectively an unknown book by an unknown writer.

Independent

This was effectively authorizing the use of contraceptives for tens of millions of women.

The New Yorker

This was effectively a bank run on the so-called "shadow" banking system of securitised finance.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Yet this is effectively what this year's Christmas ads are trying to do.

The Guardian

This is effectively a coup".

The New York Times

This is effectively an ostracism of ideas".

The Guardian

This is effectively my comeback into public company life.

The Guardian

Will this be effectively integrated in the screening programme?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this was effectively" to clearly indicate the practical or real-world outcome of a situation, action, or decision. It adds a layer of pragmatic understanding to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "this was effectively" as filler. Ensure it genuinely adds meaning by highlighting a real-world impact or outcome. Otherwise, a simpler phrasing might be more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was effectively" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It indicates that an action or situation had a particular impact or result in practice. As Ludwig highlights, it's grammatically sound and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

29%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this was effectively" is a grammatically correct and very common adverbial phrase used to highlight the practical outcome or real-world consequence of a situation. As Ludwig confirms, it is widely employed across various contexts, including news, science, and wiki sources. While its register is generally neutral, it can take on a more professional tone depending on the subject matter. Alternatives such as "in effect this was" or "this amounted to" can be used to provide similar meanings with subtle nuances. It's crucial to ensure that the phrase adds genuine meaning to your writing by highlighting a tangible impact, rather than serving as mere filler.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in effect, this was

Emphasizes the actual or operative consequence.

for all intents and purposes, this was

Highlights the functional or practical equivalence to something else.

this amounted to

Focuses on the cumulative effect, suggesting a final tally or total outcome.

this in practice meant

Highlights the practical implications and real-world consequences.

the net effect was

Concentrates on the ultimate or overall impact.

the practical result was

Emphasizes the tangible outcome or observable effect.

this essentially became

Stresses a transformation or evolution into a new state or condition.

this was virtually

Implies that something is almost the same, but not completely.

this worked out to be

Highlights the eventual calculation or determination of a value.

this translated into

Focuses on the conversion or transition of something into a different form.

FAQs

How can I use "this was effectively" in a sentence?

Use "this was effectively" to describe the real-world result or impact of something. For example, "The new policy, although controversial, "this was effectively" reduced traffic congestion".

What are some alternatives to "this was effectively"?

Alternatives include "in effect this was", "this amounted to", or "this essentially became", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "this was effectively" or "this was efficient"?

"This was efficiently" focuses on how well something was done, while ""this was effectively"" focuses on the actual result or impact. Choose the phrase that best matches your intended meaning.

What's the difference between "this was effectively" and "this was actually"?

"This was actually" emphasizes truth or reality, while ""this was effectively"" highlights the real-world consequence or practical outcome. The phrases are not interchangeable and have very different meanings.