“生效”一词通常出现于合同、协议或契约等法律文件中，表示法律、制度、规定、合同、章程、协议、法令等的“生效”，英文有多种对应的表达方式，如come into effect/force, go into effect, take effect, become effective, enter into force等。以下为具体的实例，以加深对这些词组的理解。

(1) take effect

A declaration takes effect simultaneously with the entry into force of this Convention in respect of the state concerned.

声明在本公约对有关国家开始生效时同时生效。

(2) come into effect/force

The agreement shall come into effect/force upon signature.

该协议签字后立即生效。

(3) become effective

The pledge contract shall become effective upon the delivery of the document of title.

质押合同自权利凭证交付之日起生效。

(4) go into effect

The IHR (2005) were formally adopted at the Fifty-eighth World Health Assembly in 2005 and are to go into effect in 2007.

《国际卫生条例(2005年)》在2005年世界卫生大会第五十八届会议上正式通过，将于2007年生效。

(1) enter into force

Audit decisions shall enter into force from the date when they are duly served.

审计决定自送达之日起生效。