In effect

adverb

Actually in place or valid at a given time; currently operative or valid.

The old regulations are still in effect.
Visual representation of "in effect" - Actually in place or valid at a given time; currently operative or valid.

Often appears as...

  • law in effect
  • policy in effect
adverb

Basically or virtually; in essence or fact.

In effect, the teachers were controlling the school.
Visual representation of "in effect" - Basically or virtually; in essence or fact.

Often appears as...

  • in effect
  • he is
adverb

Used to introduce a clarification, interpretation, or explanation.

The company was, in effect, buying its own goods.
Visual representation of "in effect" - Used to introduce a clarification, interpretation, or explanation.

Often appears as...

  • was
  • in effect

Usage tips

Formal

Academic, Technical

adverb

Actually in place or valid at a given time; currently operative or valid.

The old regulations are still in effect.
Visual representation of "in effect" - Actually in place or valid at a given time; currently operative or valid.

Often appears as...

  • law in effect
  • policy in effect
adverb

Basically or virtually; in essence or fact.

In effect, the teachers were controlling the school.
Visual representation of "in effect" - Basically or virtually; in essence or fact.

Often appears as...

  • in effect
  • he is
adverb

Used to introduce a clarification, interpretation, or explanation.

The company was, in effect, buying its own goods.
Visual representation of "in effect" - Used to introduce a clarification, interpretation, or explanation.

Often appears as...

  • was
  • in effect

Usage tips

Formal

Academic, Technical

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "in effect"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Current Validity

Specifies that something, like a rule or law, is presently active and needs to be followed.

Illustration for Current Validity
The new speed limit is in effect as of Monday.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Continuous State

Indicates an ongoing condition or situation that hasn't changed.

Illustration for Continuous State
The ban on plastic bags is still in effect.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Await Changes

Often refers to temporary conditions or rules until new ones take place.

Illustration for Await Changes
Current guidelines remain in effect until further notice.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Current Validity

Specifies that something, like a rule or law, is presently active and needs to be followed.

Illustration for Current Validity
The new speed limit is in effect as of Monday.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Continuous State

Indicates an ongoing condition or situation that hasn't changed.

Illustration for Continuous State
The ban on plastic bags is still in effect.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Await Changes

Often refers to temporary conditions or rules until new ones take place.

Illustration for Await Changes
Current guidelines remain in effect until further notice.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Current Validity

Specifies that something, like a rule or law, is presently active and needs to be followed.

Illustration for Current Validity
The new speed limit is in effect as of Monday.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Continuous State

Indicates an ongoing condition or situation that hasn't changed.

Illustration for Continuous State
The ban on plastic bags is still in effect.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Await Changes

Often refers to temporary conditions or rules until new ones take place.

Illustration for Await Changes
Current guidelines remain in effect until further notice.
Visual representation of the word "In effect"

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