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Pedants' corner

Effect Vs Affect

26 replies

Mistoffelees · 20/10/2017 22:56

My understanding of grammar isn't too bad but this is one that I always struggle with. I know the general rule and have read any number of 'easy ways to remember' but can never seem to apply it correctly. Can someone explain it in very easy to remember terms, preferably with a few examples.

OP posts:

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Stinkbomb · 20/10/2017 22:58

I think effect is before the event, affect is after - happy to be corrected, trying to remember from 20+ years ago!

MyBrilliantDisguise · 20/10/2017 22:59

Affect is a verb, meaning 'to influence' or 'to change.'

Effect is a noun, meaning 'the impact' or 'the result.'

Trying to think of examples now!

MyBrilliantDisguise · 20/10/2017 23:02

Some examples I found online:

The pay increase will greatly affect their lifestyle.

The dampness began to affect my health.

The weather will affect my plans for the weekend.

Move the cursor until you get the effect you want.

The beneficial effects of exercise are well documented.

Over time the effect of loud music can damage your hearing.

magpiemay · 20/10/2017 23:03

I’m so glad I’m not the only one who struggles with this!! Very helpful replies... I think I’ve finally got it!

dantdmistedious · 20/10/2017 23:04

Affect influences. Effect has influenced. Mostly.

Mistoffelees · 20/10/2017 23:05

The sentences I use most often are similar to this- "He has a positive attitude which will have a brilliant effect/affect on his development in academic areas" I usually give up and put influence instead.

OP posts:

Golondrina · 20/10/2017 23:05

Because effect is a noun, it will always be preceeded by the, a or an or be plural (effects).

editingfairy · 20/10/2017 23:06

Mistofelees - in your example, effect is correct. It's the noun.

Golondrina · 20/10/2017 23:06

A brilliant effect, if you need a an or the before then you must use effect.

Mistoffelees · 20/10/2017 23:08

Thanks MyBrilliantDisguise only your first reply was there when I replied. So would both of these be correct--
"The pay increase will affect their lifestyle"
"The pay increase will have an effect on their lifestyle"

OP posts:

Golondrina · 20/10/2017 23:08

If you are talking about more than one, it's also effects.
"One of the effects of this is...."

dantdmistedious · 20/10/2017 23:08

Brilliant effect, otherwise it would have affected him brilliantly.

Squeegle · 20/10/2017 23:08

Don't forget you can use effect as a verb too - e.g. The change was effected in January! This means "took place" in this context. Always a tricky one I find

LapdanceShoeshine · 20/10/2017 23:09

effect can be a verb as well though

Mistoffelees · 20/10/2017 23:09

Thanks others too, I think I need to come back to this in the morning when I've not had a few glasses of wine!

OP posts:

BeyondTheMoon · 20/10/2017 23:09

So in that sentence it's "effect" cos there's an "a (brilliant)" in front - ie. it's a noun which there is one of. Verbs can have 'to' in front of. Not sure if that makes it clearer??

trainedopossum · 20/10/2017 23:10

As I get older (on the verge of 50 now), the things I used to know without a moment's hesitation (like effect vs affect) have become a bit blurry and combined with fast typing I make some shocking (to me and any pedant) mistakes.

dantdmistedious · 20/10/2017 23:10

I would say the pay increase will affect their lifestyle or have an effect on their lifestyle.

Don't ask me to explain but I think I'm right!

Squeegle · 20/10/2017 23:10

Examples here:

Effect Vs Affect

Golondrina · 20/10/2017 23:10

Forgot about effect as a verb meaning took place, but the general verb/noun rule works well.

Mistoffelees · 20/10/2017 23:11

Or should I say, when I'm not affected by/feeling the effects of a few glasses of wine! (Really hoping I've got it right now!)

OP posts:

Golondrina · 20/10/2017 23:12

Yes! You're getting the hang of it now!

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StealthPolarBear · 21/10/2017 07:34

Affect can also be a noun meaning the outward show of emotions. The look on your face is close enough

Vitalogy · 21/10/2017 07:53

Glad you started this thread OP.
Hopefully the tips have sunk into my brain!

SchadenfreudePersonified · 21/10/2017 08:03

Good point PolarBear.

You are not likely to encounter "affect" as a noun very often OP (unless you are, or work with, psychologists), but be aware of it, because otherwise if you come acrossit, it may confuse you and make you doubt yourself again.

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