Definition

1. Verb:
   • To begin to operate or produce results; to become active, valid, or enforceable. This phrase describes the moment when a rule, law, medication, or action starts to work as intended.

Usage

• The phrase "take effect" is used to indicate the commencement of an action or the point at which something becomes operational. It is often used with laws, policies, rules, medications, or plans.
• It is typically used in the simple present or future tense to describe a scheduled start time.
• It is an intransitive verb phrase; it does not take a direct object.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The new regulations will take effect on January 1st.
  • It takes about thirty minutes for the painkiller to take effect.
  • The ceasefire agreement finally took effect at midnight.

Advanced Usage

• "to take full effect": To become completely operational or to reach its maximum intended impact.
  • The policy changes will take full effect after the transition period.
• "to take immediate effect": To begin to be valid or operative right away, without delay.
  • The CEO's resignation was announced and took immediate effect.

Variants and Related Words

• Effective (adj): Successful in producing a desired or intended result; officially operative.
  • The new software is very effective.
  • The contract becomes effective upon signing.
• Effectiveness (n): The degree to which something is successful in producing a desired result.
  • Scientists are studying the effectiveness of the vaccine.
• Come into effect: A synonym for "take effect," often used interchangeably.
  • The treaty comes into effect next year.

Synonyms

• Become operative: To start to function or be valid.
• Come into force: Often used for laws and official rules beginning to apply.
• Kick in (informal): To begin to take effect or have an impact.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Take hold: To become established or start to have a strong effect. It can be similar but often implies a more gradual or firm establishment.
  • The new management practices are beginning to take hold in the company.

Related Idioms

• In effect: Operating or applicable; for all practical purposes.
  • The old rules are still in effect until the new ones take effect.

Verb

1. go into effect or become effective or operative
   • The new law will take effect next month