well in effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "well in effect" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used to indicate that something is true or valid in practice, even if it may not be explicitly stated. Example: "The new policy is, well in effect, a way to reduce costs without cutting jobs."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Well, in effect, yes; but that's a lot right there.

The Guardian - Tech

When a player drops out of any side pot, he drops out of the original pot as well, in effect surrendering his rights in the original pot to the player whose later bet he did not call.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Google, which already places text ads on other people's websites and splits the revenue with them, recently began testing a system to distribute display ads as well, in effect increasing its role as a sort of online ad agency.Others are honing new techniques.

The Economist

Well in effect it already did.

Huffington Post

Well, in effect, that's what has happened to Coffman.

Huffington Post

The interdisciplinary experience the kid's get should translate within the University's as well, in effect changing the curriculum.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Fiber optics, which already dominate the collection ring, are replacing more and more of the residual copper in the access lines as well-in effect, paving over dirt paths with smooth, modern asphalt.

MIT Technology Review

And the Lib Dems, well, they would in effect be Tories in the first two years of the next Parliament and Labour thereafter.

BBC

Americans might well say, in effect, "We are being attacked.

The Economist

For another, the production has been well received; in effect, it spearheaded a run of Handel operas that has become a City Opera calling card.

The New York Times - Arts

"If all that's being offered is a re-prioritisation of an existing program, well then in effect the government is not offering anything at all," the shadow immigration minister, Richard Marles, said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "well in effect" to subtly introduce the actual outcome or consequence, particularly when it contrasts with expectations or formal definitions. For greater clarity, use a stronger alternative such as "essentially" or "in practice".

Common error

Avoid using "well in effect" in highly formal or academic contexts, as it may sound conversational or imprecise. Opt for more direct and formal alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "well in effect" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a statement by indicating its practical or real-world consequence. As noted by Ludwig AI, this usage can come across as slightly awkward, suggesting that a more direct alternative might often be preferable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "well in effect" is used to express that something is true or valid in practice, even if not explicitly stated. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig AI identifies it as potentially awkward, suggesting more direct alternatives like "essentially" or "in practice" might often be better choices. The phrase appears across various contexts, including news and media, science, and encyclopedias, indicating a neutral to slightly informal tone. When writing, consider the context and audience to determine if a more concise and formal expression would be more suitable than using "well in effect".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essentially

Conveys the core nature of something, similar to the practical result.

in practice

Focuses on how something works out in reality, mirroring the "in effect" aspect.

virtually

Indicates something is almost or nearly the same as the stated effect.

practically speaking

Emphasizes the practical outcome or result.

in essence

Highlights the fundamental nature or gist of a situation.

effectively

Describes the actual result or outcome of something.

for all practical purposes

Highlights the result being practically the same.

in reality

Stresses what is actually happening.

to all intents and purposes

Indicates that something is true in almost every way.

as a matter of fact

Focuses on the truth or reality of the situation.

FAQs

What does "well in effect" mean?

The phrase "well in effect" suggests that something is true or valid in practice, even if it isn't explicitly stated or obvious. It's a softer way of saying "essentially" or "in practice".

Is "well in effect" grammatically correct?

While not ungrammatical, "well in effect" can sound somewhat awkward. Consider using stronger alternatives like "essentially" or "in practice" for improved clarity and formality.

What can I say instead of "well in effect"?

You can use alternatives such as "essentially", "in practice", or "effectively" depending on the context.

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

Use "well in effect" to introduce a practical outcome or consequence that may not be immediately apparent. For example, "The new policy is, well in effect, a way to reduce costs without cutting jobs."