with retrospective effect

USAGE SUMMARY

"with retrospective effect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that applies to the past as well as to the present. For example: "This policy change is effective immediately, with retrospective effect."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

A diktat with retrospective effect?

The Guardian

He was concerned by the lack of evidence either way as to whether an exception to the rule in Watson was needed or the consequences of introducing such an exception, particularly as the effect of the decision of the majority was to remove the immunity with retrospective effect, and there was "no way back" from this without legislation.

Wikipedia

Donors were almost evenly split between those who supported and those who rejected the recommendation to introduce legislation to remove donor anonymity with retrospective effect.

Human Reproduction

Extensive publicity was given to the LRC's recommendations, especially the core recommendation for the mandatory identification of donors with retrospective effect.

Human Reproduction

Their anxieties were aroused by the proposed changes to legislation with retrospective effect, which, they said, meant that they were not reassured by current legislative protection.

Human Reproduction

Current legislation against (for example) financial claims on donors was not seen as protective if a precedent were to be set of change with retrospective effect.

Human Reproduction

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It gave retrospective effect to criminal laws.

The Economist

Hinch was concerned about the retrospective effect of the building code attached to the ABCC bill.

The Guardian

Like the Law Commission, I think the law should have retrospective effect.

The Guardian

But these sequences have the surprising retrospective effect of making apparently disparate scenes from the rest of the film fall into place — and the protests themselves along with them.

The New Yorker

This was further extended with a new abstract cognitive state name called retrospective awareness which is responsible for more conscious interpretation of retrospective effects of the action execution.

Brain Informatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "with retrospective effect", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being applied retroactively. For example, specify which policy or law is affected.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "with retrospective effect" automatically applies to all past events. Clearly define the period or circumstances to which it applies to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with retrospective effect" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying how an action or decision is applied. It indicates that the action not only affects the present but also has implications for past events or situations. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "with retrospective effect" is used to indicate that a law, rule, or decision applies not only to the future but also to past events. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in written English. It's common in legal, academic, and news contexts. While its grammatical status is correct, it's crucial to use it precisely, specifying the extent of its application. Alternatives include "retroactively applied" or "effective retroactively". Common errors involve misunderstanding or failing to clearly define the scope of its retrospective application. The phrase's frequency is uncommon, and its register is generally formal and professional.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

retroactively applied

Changes the prepositional phrase to a past participle phrase, emphasizing the action of applying something retroactively.

effective retroactively

Reorders the phrase to highlight the retroactive nature of the effect.

applying retroactively

Uses a gerund phrase to focus on the act of applying something to past events.

having retroactive application

Replaces "effect" with "application" to offer a slightly more formal tone.

to apply retroactively

Uses an infinitive phrase to describe the action of applying retroactively.

with backward effect

Uses "backward" as a synonym for "retrospective", simplifying the vocabulary.

operating retroactively

Emphasizes the operational aspect of applying something to the past.

with retroactive force

Replaces "effect" with "force" to emphasize the power or impact of the retroactive application.

in retrospect

Shortens the phrase to simply "in retrospect", focusing on looking back at past events.

looking back

Uses a simpler, more conversational phrase to indicate considering past events.

FAQs

How is "with retrospective effect" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "with retrospective effect" indicates that a law, ruling, or decision applies to events that occurred before its enactment or pronouncement. It's often used in discussions of legislation that changes existing rights or obligations.

What's the difference between "effective immediately" and "with retrospective effect"?

"effective immediately" means that something starts applying from the current date forward, whereas "with retrospective effect" means it also applies to a period in the past. They are opposite and cannot be used together.

Are there situations where applying something "with retrospective effect" is considered unfair?

Yes, applying criminal laws or penalties "with retrospective effect" is generally considered unjust as it punishes actions that were legal when committed. This is often prohibited under principles of justice and fairness.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "with retrospective effect"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "retroactively applied", "effective retroactively", or "having retroactive application" to convey a similar meaning.