posted
There was a little bit of a debate about the usage of affect/effect, so I thought I'd bring it over here. These are two of the most commonly confused words in the english language, so I figure it would be good to discuss how they should be used. As a matter of fact, I'm going to wait for a grammar expert to tackle this one, because I've only got a fuzzy idea, I'm no 100% sure.
Posts: 3567 | Registered: May 2003
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quote:Main Entry: 1ef·fect Pronunciation: i-'fekt, e-, E- Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, from Latin effectus, from efficere to bring about, from ex- + facere to make, do -- more at DO <dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=do> 1 a : PURPORT <dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=purport>, INTENT <dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=intent> b : basic meaning : ESSENCE <dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=essence> 2 : something that inevitably follows an antecedent (as a cause or agent) 3 : an outward sign : APPEARANCE <dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=appearance> 4 : ACCOMPLISHMENT <dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=accomplishment>, FULFILLMENT <dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=fulfillment> 5 : power to bring about a result : INFLUENCE <dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=influence> <the content itself of television ... is therefore less important than its effect -- Current Biography> 6 plural : movable property : GOODS <dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=goods> <personal effects> 7 a : a distinctive impression <the color gives the effect of being warm> b : the creation of a desired impression <her tears were purely for effect> c (1) : something designed to produce a distinctive or desired impression -- usually used in plural (2) plural : SPECIAL EFFECTS <dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=special+effects> 8 : the quality or state of being operative : OPERATION <dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=operation> <the law goes into effect next week> - in effect : in substance : VIRTUALLY <dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=virtually> <the ... committee agreed to what was in effect a reduction in the hourly wage -- Current Biography> - to the effect : with the meaning <issued a statement to the effect that he would resign>
And for "Affect"
quote: Main Entry: 1af·fect Pronunciation: 'a-"fekt Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Latin affectus, from afficere 1 obsolete : FEELING <dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=feeling>, AFFECTION <dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=affection> 2 : the conscious subjective aspect of an emotion considered apart from bodily changes
As you can probably see, "effect," is the most generally fitting word. Encompassing almost every scenario except where emotions and their related influence get involved, and the word becomes "affect."
[This message has been edited by Alias (edited February 23, 2004).]
posted
Here's a little easier way to remember this. AFFECT means to influence or to have a bearing on, and EFFECT means to bring about, to accomplish, or to execute. Thus, "The two-party coalition effected the passage of the tax program, which will affect almost every taxpayer."
You can substitute effect with execute and affect with influence. Thus, "The two-party coalition executed the passage of the tax program, which will influence almost every taxpayer."
(I got this from Bernstein's THE CAREFUL WRITER, a very good book on English style.)
posted
The main cause of confusion is that the most common use of the verb "affect" and the most common use of the noun "effect" can be used in similar situations, although because they are different parts of speech, the wording must be slightly different.
Hitting your brakes will affect your speed. Hitting your brakes will have an effect on your speed.
to affect = to have an effect on to effect DOES NOT EQUAL to have an affect on
Both words have other meanings, but this is where 90% of the confusion is.
posted
Ah yes, POS (that's Parts of Speech and not...the other, though not entirely far off I guess)
So where could I find a credible source to back that up. I'm willing to believe what Eric said, but I would like to have it backe dup. Reference it to some source that will define each words a s a verb, rathe rthan just noun form.
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