while in effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while in effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is currently active or valid during a specific period of time. Example: "The new policy will be implemented while in effect until further notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Some of the season's biggest names have been canceled, though they lingered for a while, in effect speaking from the grave: "The Michael Richards Show, John Goodmann's "Normal, Ohio," Gabriel Byrne's "Madigan Men".. UNDER THE RADAR SCREEN -- Some of the year's best shows snuck in with little advance hype.

The New York Times - Arts

Keeping them indefinitely in limbo as wards of the United Nations would eventually have led to a new insurgent war.Besides, the "independent" Kosovo will for a long while in effect become a protectorate of the European Union, which is sending a large mission to take over from the UN.

The Economist

Instead, the Democrats have been the party of "no thanks," currying deals with some stakeholders while in effect ignoring others.

The New York Times

Here the instrument by which the damage is alleged to have been inflicted is the legal rate, which, while in effect, had to be collected from all shippers.

Cornell University

Unfortunately for the regime, its earlier antics — trying to withdraw Bouteflika's candidacy for a fifth term while in effect extending his fourth — have increased the protesters' demands.

The Washington Post

In keeping those passages while, in effect, arguing against them, Matthew validates the authenticity of the tradition that John baptized Jesus and later enquired about his true identity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The movie is made with chirpy cheer while remaining, in effect, a melodrama; the comic tone (which, unfortunately, delivers no actual laughter) is the imprimatur that comforts viewers in advance that all will work out happily in the end.

The New Yorker

The president in his State of the Union address earnestly solicited Republicans' aid in shaping legislation while he, in effect, asked that they exchange activism for their present intransigence and participation for passivity.

The New York Times

“While Cree, in effect, makes the LED bulb.”.

Forbes

As the researcher's note, these findings, while small in effect, may have clinical implications considering childhood maltreatment is a known risk factor for many psychiatric disorders.

Huffington Post

A ban can be lifted when the fish recover; while it is in effect, the fishing industry will inevitably suffer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "while in effect" to clearly specify that a rule, law, or condition is currently active and applicable. This helps avoid ambiguity about the timing of its application.

Common error

Avoid using "while in effect" when referring to a past situation where the effect is no longer active. Use past tense constructions instead, such as "when it was in effect".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while in effect" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause to indicate the duration or condition under which a specific action or state occurs. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "while in effect" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier, providing temporal context to a statement. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely accepted. It indicates that something is happening or should be observed during a specific period when a rule, law, or condition is active. Usage is most frequent in news and media, as well as academic contexts. Alternative phrases include "during its validity" and "during the period". A key writing tip is to ensure correct tense usage when referring to past events, and avoid using the phrase when the effect is no longer active.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while it is valid

Focuses on the condition of being officially accepted or recognized.

during its validity

Stresses the legal or official standing of something while it is active.

during the period

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of the condition, focusing on a specific timeframe.

during its operation

Highlights the active or functional state of something over a particular time.

for the duration

Specifies the entire length of time that something is active or applicable.

during the time

A general alternative that refers to an unspecified duration.

during enforcement

Specifies the active implementation phase of a rule or law.

while it lasts

Emphasizes the limited duration of the effect or condition.

pending its expiration

Focuses on the period before something officially ceases to be valid.

in the interim

Highlights the period between two events, during which something is active.

FAQs

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

Use "while in effect" to indicate that a particular rule, law, or policy is currently active or valid. For example, "While the curfew is "in effect", residents must remain indoors".

What's the difference between "while in effect" and "when in effect"?

"While in effect" indicates a continuous period during which something is active, whereas "when in effect" refers to a specific point or instance in time. Use "while" for ongoing conditions and "when" for particular moments.

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

Alternatives include "during its validity", "during the period", or "while it is valid", depending on the specific context. These phrases all indicate that a condition or rule is currently active.

Is it redundant to say "while it is in effect" instead of just "while in effect"?

Saying "while it is in effect" is grammatically correct, but "while in effect" is more concise and generally preferred. The longer version isn't necessarily wrong, but the shorter form is more common and efficient.