Deciphering "To That Effect": Meaning and Usage
August 22, 2023 by JoyAnswer.org, Category : Language
What does to that effect mean? Delve into the meaning and proper usage of the idiomatic expression "to that effect." Explore how this phrase is employed to convey similarity or similarity in meaning, enhancing clarity in communication.
What does to that effect mean?
"To that effect" is a phrase used to convey that something is meant or intended in a similar way or has a similar meaning or consequence as something mentioned or implied earlier in a conversation or text. It is often used to summarize or paraphrase a previous statement, making it clear that what follows is related or equivalent to what was previously discussed.
Here are some examples of how "to that effect" can be used:
Direct Quotation: "The CEO said, 'We need to cut costs immediately,' or words to that effect." In this case, "words to that effect" indicates that the speaker may not be quoting the CEO verbatim but is conveying the general idea of what was said.
Summarizing a Law: "The new law restricts public gatherings, and similar regulations apply to private events, parties, and gatherings to that effect." Here, "to that effect" indicates that the regulations for private events are similar to those for public gatherings.
Interpreting a Statement: "She mentioned her dislike for long flights and how they make her tired, or something to that effect." This suggests that the speaker is summarizing what the woman said about long flights without providing an exact quote.
Paraphrasing: "He stated that the project needed more time and resources or something along those lines to achieve success." In this case, "something along those lines" is a paraphrase of what he said.
In each of these examples, "to that effect" or similar phrases serve as a way to clarify that the following statement is meant to capture the essence or meaning of a prior statement without quoting it directly. It helps to provide context and understanding when exact quotations or details are not necessary or available.
