in effect
prep. phr..prep. phr.. you use this to say what the real result or meaning of a situation is, even if it is not official.
prep. phr.. used to describe the practical reality or functional outcome of a situation, regardless of its formal status or theoretical intent.
The new rules are, in effect, a ban on smoking.
By refusing to sign the contract, he has in effect resigned from his position at the firm.
The court's ruling was so narrow that it was, in effect, a victory for the defendants despite the technical finding of guilt.
often used as a parenthetical remark to clarify the actual impact of an action.
contrast with 'effectively' (which can also mean 'efficiently') and 'in fact' (which introduces a specific truth); 'in effect' focuses on the functional consequence.
The law is in the effect.The law is in effect.do not use an article between 'in' and 'effect' when using this phrase to mean 'practically speaking'.