Not to understand the difference between affect and effect?

[Tinseltower]

I looked up the definitions and still none the wiser. Been in a school revision site and still don’t get it! What is wrong with me! If anyone can explain to me very simply and with examples I’d really appreciate it!

Affect is the Action this only works if affect is a verb, it can be a noun.
Effect is the End result this only works if effect is a noun, it can be a verb.

@idontlikealdi sorry but you're wrong - it is absolutely possible to effect change - google it.

What’s the difference between less and few?

Sorry, fewer

Less is when you’re talking about a smaller amount of something as a while. Fewer is when you’re talking about discrete (not discreet) items.

There was less sand. There were fewer grains.

He had less money. He had fewer coins.

I’m with echt and Rita Moreno on effect/affect.

*whole, not while :)

Thank you, I’m usually ok with this sort of stuff, ie I know the difference between affect/effect but didn’t really know there was a difference between less/fewer.

I do feel my grammar education was non existent and do have to look up what similes and the like are when doing homework with my DSs.

I’ve just gone back on the thread and am wondering if I am ok with affect/effect

Both affect and effect can be a noun or verb

@echt is right. The confusion often comes because affect is more often used as a verb and effect more often as a noun. It is useful to understand how to use effect as a verb though, as it's an elegant phrasing.

I went to a state primary in the 80s and remember learning phonics and grammar, although not as a basis for reading and not to the extent children do now.

I think the problem is that affect as a noun isn't often encountered, and neither is effect as a verb. I've only come across them in writing in the last few years.

Effect as as noun and affect as verb are far more commonly used, both spoken and written, hence the confusion as the schwa is often used for both when speaking, so they sound the same, though they oughtn't.

But then I say Wed-ens-day, not Wensday. Because I am old and grey and full of sleep. :o

I'm going to buy a set of these - mainly for the benefit of DS2 and DS3.

Anna I want those cups!

Keep comparing it to advise and advice, that seems the easiest one to categorise for most people.

I know how to use it but I can't explain it! 😂

I always remember it with the sentence

The Effect of the Earthquate Affected me Awfully

E E A A noun noun verb (ad)verb

Affect = Action
Effect = End result

Think that's how my brain processes it.

Where can I get those cups? Would these be a good pressie for a primary school?

Might a bit of Latin help?

affect comes from ad (to, at, towards) and facere (do)

so it's something that is done towards somebody/something

"this doesn't affect me"= this doesn't do anything to me

"the patient's face showed no affect"= the patient's face didn't show any signs that x was doing anything to him

effect comes from 'ex' (out of) and 'facere' (do), so it's what comes out of you, a reaction

"the effects of this policy will be"= what comes out of this policy will be

"the prisoners effected an escape"- the prisoners pulled an escape out of whatever resources were available

Ooooh Cory, thanks. That’s really helpful. I love finding out about word origins.

iklboo Aren't they fab?