We finally got to see the secretary who confirmed that there was indeed a young man being held in prison. Effectively is used to show that you are describing what a particular situation is really like, especially when this is not obvious: ‘At that time, free elections in Zambia were unknown, and Kaunda had, effectively, made himself life-president.’ Indeed is used to confirm that something is true, especially something that a person suspects but is unsure about: ‘I imagined that Rupert had gone back to the hotel and indeed it was there that I found him, splashing around in the pool.’ efficient The medicine proved very efficient.
The medicine proved very effective. We need more efficient ways of dealing with pollution or the problem will get
worse.
We need more effective ways of dealing with pollution or the problem will get worse. efficient = working quickly and without waste: ‘The more efficient the engine, the less petrol it uses.’ ‘Since the new software was installed, library services have become much more efficient.’ effective = having the desired effect: ‘There are many effective ways of using computers for training purposes.’ ‘The advertisement was simple, but remarkably effective.’ effort 1
The authorities have put a lot of efforts into making the streets cleaner.
The authorities have put a lot of effort into making the streets cleaner. When you mean ‘the energy or hard work that is needed to do something’, use effort (uncountable): ‘Digging the tunnel demanded a great deal of effort.’ Compare: ‘All our efforts to persuade Wendell to stay have failed.’ 2
In my opinion, a holiday is a hopeless effort to relax.
