Meaning & use
effect an
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Meaning
phrasetransitiveformal
To make something happen or bring about a change, especially in a formal or official way.
Grammar: Used as a verb + article + noun; the object is the thing that is brought about, e.g. 'effect an escape'.
Patterns
- effect an agreement
- effect a change
- effect an escape
- effect a settlement
The two countries finally effected an agreement after months of talks.
The new manager effected a number of changes in the department.
The prisoner effected an escape by digging a tunnel.
Common combinations
- effect a change
- The new law effected a change in the way companies report their earnings.
- effect an agreement
- The union and management effected an agreement just before the deadline.
- effect an escape
- The prisoner effected an escape through a window.
- effect a settlement
- The lawyers worked to effect a settlement out of court.
Synonyms and how they differ
- bring about
- More common and less formal than 'effect'; it can be used in everyday speech.
- accomplish
- Focuses on completing something successfully, often a task or goal.
- achieve
- Used for reaching a goal through effort, not necessarily making something happen.
Word family
Commonly confused: effect an or affect? effect an or effect?
effect an vs affect
'Affect' is usually a verb meaning 'to influence', while 'effect' as a verb means 'to bring about'. 'Effect an agreement' means to make it happen; 'affect an agreement' would mean to influence it.
effect an vs effect
As a noun, 'effect' means a result; 'an effect' is a thing, while 'effect an' is a verb phrase meaning to make something happen.
Practice
The new policy was designed to ______ a reduction in waste.
Choose one answer.
'Effect' as a verb means to bring about or make happen; here it means the policy would cause a reduction. 'Affect' means to influence, which does not fit the meaning of causing a reduction. 'Effective' is an adjective and 'effectively' is an adverb, so they cannot be used before the noun phrase 'a reduction'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “effect an”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.