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Dictionary-enhanced word family

Word Forms of “Effective”

Something that works well and produces good results; successful at doing what it is supposed to do.

Word Family of Effective

What is the adjective of effective? — effective

effective

What is the adverb of effective? — effectively

effectively

How to Use Each Word Form in a Sentence

  • Exercise is an effective way to improve your health. B1
  • The teacher's effective teaching methods kept the students interested. B1
  • This cream is very effective for treating dry skin. B1

Word Form Patterns for Effective

-ness

Adds **-ness** to make a noun meaning the state, quality, or condition of being something. Example: effective → effectiveness.

-ly

Adds **-ly** to make an adverb describing how an action happens. Example: effective → effectively.

Origin and Word Formation of Effective

From Old French 'effectif', from Latin 'effectivus' (actual, productive).

Common Word Form Mistakes with Effective

Wrong: The drug is very effective against the disease.

Correct: The drug is very effective against the disease. or The drug is very effective for treating the disease.

Both forms are correct, but 'for treating' is more specific than 'against'.

Wrong: His advice was effective in help me solve the problem.

Correct: His advice was effective in helping me solve the problem.

After 'in', use the gerund form 'helping', not the base verb 'help'.

Frequently Asked Questions About Word Forms of Effective

What are the word forms of “effective”?

The confirmed forms are shown in the word family cards above. Missing parts of speech are hidden instead of filled with placeholder text.

What part of speech is “effective”?

“effective” is primarily a adj. Some forms above show how the same root works as other parts of speech.

Where does “effective” come from?

From Old French 'effectif', from Latin 'effectivus' (actual, productive).

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