meaning in context - "To this effect"


What does "to this effect" in the following sentence mean? (This sentence is in a reply of an application).



However, if you are not successful, we will inform you to this effect.



Does this mean, if I failed I will still get informed(by a mail or phone-call) or if I failed, I will have no idea that I have failed already?



Answer



Here, "to this effect" is a specific instance of "to the effect" where "this" refers to the demonstrated meaning in the sentence.


Really, the phrase could be replaced with "thus" - ie "we will inform you thus", even more plainly, "we will inform you that you were not successful"


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