to be in effect

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be in effect" is a grammatically correct phrase that is commonly used in written English.
It typically implies that something is in operation, meaning that it is currently producing a desired effect. For example, "The new policy is to be in effect as of Monday, February 1st." In this example, the policy will begin to be observed as of Monday, February 1st.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Here, the "Seinfeld" rules seem to be in effect.

The New York Times - Books

L. 109 444 ceased to be in effect.

Cornell University

Until then, a news blackout was considered to be in effect.

The New York Times - Arts

Suffolk maps are scheduled to be in effect by December 2009.

The New York Times

Killmonger orders it destroyed, because he intends to be, in effect, the last King of Wakanda.

The New Yorker

The advisory for drinking and cooking water was to be in effect until 5 p.m. today.

The New York Times

It was to be, in effect, her first live televised speech — in two senses.

The New Yorker

Both acts are to be in effect only until November 1 , 1922

Cornell University

New digital technologies often allow traditional downstream services to be, in effect, built into a product.

Harvard Business Review

Still, a freeze on all data distribution is likely to be in effect for the foreseeable future.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

584, 586, 53 N.E.2d 593, 593 (the state and federal constitutional provisions are said to be 'in effect the same)'.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing legal or official documents, ensure the specific date and time a policy or rule will "to be in effect" are clearly stated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using past tense when describing a future state. For example, instead of saying 'The rule was to be in effect yesterday', use 'The rule is to be in effect tomorrow' or 'The rule will be in effect tomorrow'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be in effect" functions as a verb phrase indicating that a rule, law, or policy is currently active or will become active at a specific point in time. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis, which identifies the phrase as grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be in effect" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to indicate that a rule, law, or policy is currently active or will become active at a specified time. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It is most frequently found in news and media, as well as academic contexts, with a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the correct tense and clearly state the effective date. Alternatives like "to be operative" or "to be in force" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be in force

Uses a different preposition but conveys the same meaning of being active and implemented.

to be operative

Replaces "in effect" with a single adjective, maintaining the sense of something being functional or active.

to be in operation

Emphasizes the active functioning or running of something.

to be valid

Focuses on the legal or official standing of something, implying it is recognized and applicable.

to take effect

Shifts the focus to the moment of commencement, rather than the ongoing state.

to come into force

Similar to "take effect", but emphasizes the transition into a state of being operational.

to be implemented

Highlights the action of putting something into practice, leading to its state of being in effect.

to be applicable

Indicates that something is relevant and can be applied to a particular situation.

to be active

Simplifies the phrase to a single adjective, denoting a state of being functional and not suspended.

to be enforceable

Highlights the ability to compel observance of a rule or law, which is a key aspect of being in effect.

FAQs

How can I use "to be in effect" in a sentence?

You can use "to be in effect" to indicate when a rule, policy, or law will become active. For example, "The new regulations are "to be in effect" from January 1st."

What's the difference between "to be in effect" and "to take effect"?

"To be in effect" describes the state of something being active, while "to take effect" refers to the moment something becomes active. For instance, "The law is to be in effect" indicates its current status, whereas "The law will take effect tomorrow" indicates when it begins.

What can I say instead of "to be in effect"?

Alternatives include "to be operative", "to be valid", or "to be in force", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say 'the policy is to be in effect'?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase ""to be in effect"" is commonly used to indicate that a policy, rule, or law is currently active or will become active at a specified time.