Grammar fix
in effect
in practical terms
Used to explain what a rule, decision, or situation means in practical terms.
expression
How oftenNow and then
LevelC1
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
They haven't officially closed the pool, but they've cut the opening hours so much that it's in effect shut.
My gym membership includes the pool, but it's only open while I'm at work, so in effect I'm paying for something I can't use.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: In effects, the rule prevents small businesses from applying.
Say: In effect, the rule prevents small businesses from applying.
The fixed phrase is 'in effect', with no plural 's'.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Not exactly true, but close enough
How formalConversationalFormal
effectivelyDescribes the practical result despite the official or technical position.
in effectYou're here · Sums up what a rule or situation amounts to; a little more formal than 'effectively' and often starts the sentence.
for all intents and purposesTechnical differences exist but make little practical difference.