to that effect

USAGE SUMMARY

'to that effect' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that what is being said is an approximation or summary of what has been stated previously. For example, "We discussed our plans for the project at length, and decided to proceed with a certain course of action to that effect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Words to that effect.

Independent

Or words to that effect.

The New York Times

Or something to that effect.

The New York Times - Arts

Or more words to that effect.

The New York Times

Two things contribute to that effect.

The New York Times

They held signs to that effect.

The New Yorker

Essentially quoted Kerry to that effect.

The New Yorker

"A statement to that effect".

The Guardian

its flag documents to that effect.

Columbia University

He instructed the jury to that effect.

Cornell University

Rumblings to that effect have recently increased.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to that effect" when you want to convey the general idea of something without quoting it exactly. This is particularly useful when summarizing conversations or paraphrasing sources.

Common error

Avoid using "to that effect" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your prose seem imprecise. Try to provide more specific details or use stronger verbs to convey your meaning more directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to that effect" functions as a qualifier, indicating that the statement being made is an approximation or summary of something previously stated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signals that the speaker is conveying the general idea rather than a direct quote.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to that effect" is a useful tool for conveying the general idea of a statement without providing a direct quote. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, it also appears in academic and business settings. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid vagueness in your writing. Consider alternatives such as "or something along those lines" or "in essence", depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

or words to that purpose

Replaces 'effect' with 'purpose', focusing on the intention rather than the result.

or something along those lines

Substitutes 'to that effect' with a more conversational phrase, suggesting a similar sentiment or idea.

in a similar vein

Replaces the original phrase with one that denotes similarity in style or manner, implying an analogous statement.

or words to that general idea

Emphasizes the overall concept rather than a precise repetition of the original words.

approximately that

Uses a shorter, more direct phrase to convey the idea of an approximation.

in essence

Conveys the central meaning or core idea of the original statement.

substantially similar

Indicates that the statement is alike in substance or essential meaning, but not identical.

more or less

Suggests an approximate correspondence to the original statement, acknowledging slight deviations.

virtually the same

Implies near identity with the original statement, suggesting only minor differences.

tantamount to

Equates the statement to something else in terms of effect or value, but with different wording.

FAQs

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

Use "to that effect" to indicate that you are summarizing or paraphrasing a statement, rather than quoting it verbatim. For example, "The CEO announced a new company policy, or "words to that effect"".

What are some alternatives to "to that effect"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "or something along those lines", "in essence", or "approximately that" as alternatives to "to that effect".

Is it appropriate to use "to that effect" in formal writing?

While "to that effect" is generally acceptable, it can sometimes sound informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise language or providing a direct quote when possible. If paraphrasing, ensure clarity and accuracy.

What is the difference between "to that effect" and "to that end"?

"To that effect" means 'with a similar meaning or result', while "to that end" ("to that end") means 'in order to achieve a particular aim'. They have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably.