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In the context of reverse mathematics, effective transfinite recursion refers to a principle that allows us to construct sequences of sets by recursion along arbitrary well orders, provided that each set is Δ¹₀‐definable relative to the previous stages of the recursion. It is known that this principle is provable in ACA₀. In the present note, we argue that a common formulation of effective transfinite recursion is too restrictive. We then propose a more liberal formulation, which appears very natural and is still provable in ACA₀.