Effective: achieving a result

The idea

Use an effective method, the plan is effective, effective in reducing delays or effective for opening boxes. Comparison is more effective and most effective.

Examples

• The new method was effective in reducing delays.
• We need an effective way to share information.
• The team tested whether the plan was effective.
• Her explanation was effective because everyone understood.
• This tool is effective for opening small boxes.
• An effective solution achieved the intended result.

Watch out

Effective focuses on achieving the goal; efficient focuses on using resources well. A method can be one, both or neither.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the adjective for reaching the stated goal. The method achieved its intended goal; it was ___. (effective / ineffective)

   Show answer or example answer

   effective

   Effective describes a method that achieved the stated goal.

2. Choose the preposition introducing the result. The method was effective ___ reducing delays. (in / from)

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   in

   In can introduce the result as an -ing action.

3. Choose what follows about resource use from the outcome alone. The method achieved its goal. Its resource efficiency is ___. (not established / guaranteed)

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   not established

   The outcome alone does not tell us how efficiently resources were used.

Use it today

Describe an intended result and explain how you would assess whether a method is effective.