though in effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "though in effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is true or has a certain effect, even if it may not be immediately obvious or acknowledged. Example: "The policy was not officially implemented, though in effect, it changed the way we operate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

This sounded businesslike, though, in effect, it was a cottage industry.

The Guardian - Books

Her friends intended to praise her, though, in effect, they buried her morally prettified and embalmed, hands folded piously over her bosom.

The New Yorker

Her friends intended to praise her, though, in effect, they buried her — morally prettified and embalmed, hands folded piously over her bosom.

The New Yorker

First, it denies any communality between the two (though in effect, there may be little difference between them, as argues Taylor, 2012), and as a matter of fact all Québec governments have rejected Canadian multiculturalism ever since it was introduced in 1971.

Comparative Migration Studies

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

No, the ambiguous ending has always been a pop device, the "Sopranos -style finale Sopranos -stylely artier version ofinalecliff-hanger: no different in simplyure, though perhapslightlyect, from leartierthe heroine tied to the train tracks.

The New Yorker

A report by 9News sheds light on the law that, though still in effect, is rarely enforced.

Huffington Post

Findings consistent with this idea, though opposite in effect, involve maternal stresses in mice that create epigenetic chromatin state changes and behavioral phenotypes in offspring (Meany and Szyf 2005; Bagot and Meaney 2010).

Genetics

Over the years, though, the EPA has, in effect, bought the loyalty of a cadre of scientists and advocacy organisations that will defend it.

The Guardian - Opinion

In effect, though, not owning any assets would leave Serco free to up sticks and walk away if it felt it wasn't going well, as National Express did on the East Coast railway in 2009.

Vice

The local zamindar had a son who gave wild parties at which liquor was drunk, though prohibition was in effect.

The New Yorker

Many of those big contributors admit that they know little or nothing about Mr. McCall, though they are, in effect, taking sides against him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "though in effect" to introduce a qualification or contrast, showing that the actual result or situation differs from what might be expected. Place it strategically within a sentence to emphasize the specific aspect you're contrasting.

Common error

Avoid using "though in effect" when there is no real contrast or qualification. Ensure that the statement following "though in effect" genuinely presents a different perspective or outcome than what was initially implied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "though in effect" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, connecting two clauses while indicating a contrast or qualification. Ludwig confirms its usability. It introduces a situation that exists or results despite what might be initially expected.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "though in effect" is a conjunctive adverbial phrase used to introduce a contrast or qualification. Ludwig confirms its correct usage. It appears primarily in news media and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. The phrase serves to refine a previous statement, acknowledging a seeming contradiction or unexpected outcome. As shown by Ludwig's examples, it's effective for adding nuance and precision to writing. Alternatives like ""albeit in practice"" or ""though in actuality"" can be used to achieve a similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

though in actuality

Similar to "though in effect", focusing on the actual state of affairs.

even if in reality

Highlights a contrast by emphasizing how things actually are.

albeit in practice

Highlights the contrast between theory and actual implementation.

even if effectively

Emphasizes that something is true despite a condition or contrast.

although realistically

Adds a dose of realism or practicality to the contrasting element.

while pragmatically

Focuses on the practical aspect of a situation despite a contrast.

notwithstanding functionally

Introduces a qualification based on functionality or practical application.

yet practically speaking

Emphasizes a real-world consideration contrasting with something else.

despite being operational

Focuses on emphasizing the operational aspect in spite of a contrasting situation.

even given its impact

Acknowledges an impact even with a certain caveat.

FAQs

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

Use "though in effect" to introduce a clause that qualifies or contrasts with a previous statement. For example, "The policy wasn't formally approved, "though in effect", it changed our operations."

What phrases are similar to "though in effect"?

Similar phrases include "albeit in practice", "even if in reality", or "though in actuality", all used to show a contrast or qualification.

Is "though in effect" formal or informal?

The phrase "though in effect" is generally suitable for both formal and informal writing, but it's more common in neutral to formal contexts. Be mindful of your audience and choose alternatives if a more casual tone is needed.

What's the difference between "though in effect" and "in effect"?

"In effect" means "in practice" or "essentially", while "though in effect" introduces a contrast, indicating that something is happening despite a different expectation or condition. For example, using "in effect" simply states a fact, whereas "though in effect" acknowledges an implied contrast.