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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
which became effective
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "which became effective" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a fact that has recently gone into effect. For example: "The new hiring policy, which became effective last month, has already attracted more qualified applicants."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
56 human-written examples
The ban was introduced in a government shakeup which became effective on 30 December, NewsDay said.
News & Media
The next day, Bush accepted Rumsfeld's resignation, which became effective in mid-December.
News & Media
The measure, which became effective Nov. 1, did not curb prices.
News & Media
Wilson resented this show of independence and requested Lansing's resignation, which became effective Feb. 13, 1920.
Encyclopedias
His bill, which became effective immediately, passed just two weeks later.
News & Media
The Fair Housing Amendments Act, which became effective on March 12 , 1989 now prohibits housing discrimination against people with disabilities.
News & Media
Limiting the ability of the court to pursue similar charges is its jurisdiction, which became effective in 2002.
News & Media
He was announced as a director of Crown Resorts a month later, an appointment which became effective in July.
News & Media
She will continue to hold those posts concurrently with her Norwalk Symphony appointment, which became effective in May.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
2 human-written examples
The decision, which becomes effective in 30 days, is certain to be an issue in the presidential campaign".
News & Media
Unlike Indiana's law, which becomes effective on 1 July, the bill passed by Arkansas' legislature would become effective immediately because of an emergency clause.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "which became effective", ensure the preceding noun is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "The policy became effective", write "The new policy, which became effective on January 1st, ...".
Common error
Avoid placing the phrase "which became effective" too far from the noun it modifies. This can lead to confusion about what exactly went into effect. Keep it as close as possible to the subject.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "which became effective" functions as a non-restrictive relative clause, providing additional, non-essential information about a preceding noun. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use in written English.
Frequent in
News & Media
43%
Science
31%
Formal & Business
9%
Less common in
Wiki
9%
Encyclopedias
2%
Science & Research
1%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "which became effective" functions as a non-restrictive relative clause, used to specify when something started being in force. It's grammatically sound and frequently found across diverse writing contexts, according to Ludwig. Although neutral in register, it appears most often in news, scientific, and formal business sources. Writers should ensure the phrase's proximity to the noun it modifies to maintain clarity. Consider alternatives such as "that took effect" or "that came into force" to vary your writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a versatile and acceptable addition to a writer's toolkit.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
that took effect
Focuses on the action of starting to operate or be used.
that came into force
Emphasizes the legal or official aspect of becoming effective.
that entered into effect
A more formal way of saying something became effective.
that was implemented
Highlights the process of putting something into effect.
that was enacted
Focuses on the legislative or authoritative approval.
that commenced
Stresses the beginning or start date.
that began operating
Highlights the functional aspect of becoming effective.
that was activated
Implies a prior state of being inactive, now brought into use.
that was initiated
Highlights the start of a process or activity.
that started functioning
Focuses on the operational aspect of becoming effective.
FAQs
How can I use "which became effective" in a sentence?
Use "which became effective" to add detail about when a change, rule, or law started. For example, "The new regulations, which became effective in June, will impact all departments."
What are some alternatives to "which became effective"?
You can use alternatives like "that took effect", "that came into force", or "that was implemented" depending on the specific context.
Is it correct to say "that became effective" instead of "which became effective"?
Yes, "that became effective" is correct, especially when the clause is restrictive (essential to the sentence's meaning). "Which became effective" is used in non-restrictive clauses, adding extra information.
What's the difference between "which becomes effective" and "which became effective"?
"Which becomes effective" refers to a future date, while "which became effective" indicates that something is already in effect. For example, "The law, which becomes effective next year, will change healthcare" versus "The law, which became effective last year, has changed healthcare".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested