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kelly's avatar

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

Asked by kelly (1045points) | asked November 7th, 2006 | 7 responses | “Great Question” (0points) | Flag as…
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andrew's avatar
"affect" is a verb: He affected me. "effect" is a noun. Special effects. I always remember special effects.
andrew (12813points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
peggylou's avatar
Good job, Andrew! Affect can be a noun, but not usually.
peggylou (836points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
peggylou's avatar
I am sick of seeing effect used for affect. It's happening a lot lately. Especially in newspapers.
peggylou (836points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
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."
bob (2991points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
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
JJ (29points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
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.
bob (2991points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
bmoodey's avatar

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

bmoodey (1points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…

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