Fun with Words: Effect vs. Affect October 4, 2010
Posted by nrhatch in Humor, Word Play.comments closed
Does the effect of choosing between affect and effect affect you in a negative way?
If so, you’re not alone!
(1) Both words are nouns, and both are verbs, but . . . most of the time affect with an “a” is used as a verb, and effect with an “e” is used as a noun:
* The effect of alcohol affects reaction time.
* The stunning visual effects affected the audience.
* When you affect a situation, you have an effect on it.
(2) As a noun, effect has several common usages:
* The effect of his words stirred us to action. Here, effect means the result, impact, outcome, or consequence of the speech.
* She used her words to good effect to secure a verdict. ~ advantage
* The new regulation goes into effect tomorrow. ~ in full force
* The cathedral ceiling created an effect of spaciousness. ~ impression
(3) As a verb, affect means to have an impact on, influence, or produce an effect on.
* The illness affected her heart, causing heart palpitations. The prescribed medication had no effect on her symptoms.
* The stimulus package affected the economy, but had no effect on my bank balance.
* The rain affected her hair, but had no effect on her mood.
* The speech affected her mood, but had no effect on her hair.
(4) Less common, effect as a verb and affect as a noun:
* The stimulus package effected necessary change. ~ caused it to happen; brought it about
* The officer effected an arrest, and confiscated her personal effects.
* Her flat affect concerned the psychologist. ~ emotion, facial expression, or demeanor
Has this article effected a change in your vocabulary and affected your ability to use effect and affect to good effect in the future, or has it caused you to adopt a flat affect?
Related articles: Grammar Girl (Affect vs. Effect) * Grammar Rules (Affect vs. Effect) * Affect and Effect * Affect/Effect * Grammarland: A Lot, Alot, Allot (and Shallot) (My Literary Quest)
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