to this effect

USAGE SUMMARY

"to this effect" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to denote something that has a similar or equivalent meaning to what has just been said or written. For example: "The board of directors agreed to increase the wages of employees - a decision to this effect was finalized at the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cream only adds to this effect.

The New York Times - Magazine

Politics is also vulnerable to this effect.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Two factors contribute to this effect.

The New York Times

There is ample commentary to this effect.

The Guardian - Opinion

We received dozens of reports to this effect.

The New York Times

My statements to this effect have been frequent and unambiguous.

The New York Times

He spoke out forcibly to this effect in the Senate.

The New Yorker

Bertolucci's Wikipedia page is now getting hammered to this effect.

The Guardian - Film

Finally, one said words to this effect: "You never lied.

The New York Times

By comparison, HDO is relatively insensitive to this effect.

Nature

The weakness of the Asian currencies adds to this effect.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to this effect" to clearly link a statement, action, or document to a previously mentioned idea or agreement. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "to this effect" when the connection to the previous statement is vague or non-existent. Ensure a direct and obvious relationship between the two for the phrase to be appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to this effect" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that something is done or said in accordance with a previous statement or intention. Ludwig confirms its correct usage and broad applicability across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

32%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to this effect" serves as a valuable tool for linking ideas and actions to previous statements, contributing to clarity in both writing and speech. It's particularly common in news, scientific, and academic contexts, highlighting its versatility across various domains. Ludwig AI affirms the correctness of its usage, reinforcing its status as a reliable and grammatically sound phrase. Remember to use it when a clear connection exists to avoid ambiguity and ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to that end

Indicates a specific goal or purpose related to the previous statement. More formal.

in that vein

Indicates a continuation of a similar idea or argument. Less formal.

in that regard

Highlights a specific aspect or point related to the previous statement. Slightly more formal.

along those lines

Suggests a similarity in thought or action, but may not be an exact match. Less formal.

on that account

Implies a reason or justification based on what was previously mentioned. More formal.

in that connection

Highlights a link or association with the preceding information. Formal.

for that reason

Emphasizes the logical consequence of a previous statement. More formal.

with that in mind

Suggests considering the previous statement when making a decision or taking action. Less direct.

correspondingly

Highlights a parallel or similar action or result. Concise and formal.

similarly

Points out a resemblance or likeness. Generally applicable.

FAQs

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

"To this effect" connects a statement to a prior one. For example, "The committee decided to reduce spending, and a memo "to this effect" was distributed".

What's a simpler way to say "to this effect"?

Alternatives include "in that regard", "along those lines", or "in that vein". The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "to this effect" formal or informal?

"To this effect" leans towards formal usage. For more casual situations, consider alternatives like "like that" or "similar to that".

When should I avoid using "to this effect"?

Avoid using "to this effect" if the connection to a previous statement isn't clear. Ensure there is a direct relationship between the ideas for the phrase to be effective.