General Question

kelly's avatar

When does one use the word "affect" vs. "effect"?

Asked by kelly (1918points) November 7th, 2006
Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0

7 Answers

andrew's avatar
"affect" is a verb: He affected me. "effect" is a noun. Special effects. I always remember special effects.
peggylou's avatar
Good job, Andrew! Affect can be a noun, but not usually.
peggylou's avatar
I am sick of seeing effect used for affect. It's happening a lot lately. Especially in newspapers.
bob's avatar
effect can be a verb, too--but only rarely. As a verb, effect means "to bring about" and appears in the phrase "to effect change."
JJ's avatar
Affect (verb) = to make change; to influence. Affect (noun) = demeanor; feeling. Effect (noun) = a result; a consequence; an impression; a phenomenon. Effect, as Bob said, (verb) = to bring about
bob's avatar
I hate the fact that these two words exist, and are so close in meaning and pronunciation. I'd love to get rid of one.
bmoodey's avatar

I don't think that they are close in meaning, any more than "imply" and "infer."

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