9/4/2023 0 Comments It has an effect on me![]() ![]() They were talking about bringing about change. If you’ve ever heard anyone say “to effect positive change,” this is the word they were using. ![]() Merriam-Webster’s includes this definition: “effect: transitive verb … to bring about make happen cause or accomplish: ‘effect a cure for a disease’ ‘effect a change in policy.’” That’s right, the traditional distinction doesn’t always apply. And a version of the word “affect” is a noun. One way to remember this is to think of the term “side effect,” then note that the E in “side” prompts you to begin the next word with another E: effect.Īnd that, in a nutshell, is how to avoid the most common errors with “affect” and “effect”: just remember that the one that starts with E is a noun and the one that starts with A is a verb.īut for you advanced word nerds, there’s a twist: A version of the word “effect” is, in fact, a verb. That’s something nouns do: serve as objects. The verb in this sentence is “has,” its subject is “caffeine” and “effect” is the object of the verb. In “Caffeine has an effect on me,” it begins with an E because it’s a noun. In “Caffeine affects me,” it’s spelled with an A because it’s the verb in the clause - the action taking place in the sentence. If you have trouble keeping them straight, that’s the most important thing to know. There’s something here for you, too.īut first, the basics: “Affect” is usually a verb. Before you go: Did you know that sometimes “affect” is a noun and sometimes “effect” is a verb? If not, stick around. I know what some of you are thinking: “I already know ‘affect’ from ‘effect.’ Goodbye.” So how about just one quick primer on a very fundamental usage point that ranks high on every literate person’s must-know list - an easy yet crucial lesson that could improve anyone’s writing in the new year: the difference between “affect” and “effect”? And people with other priorities wouldn’t listen to little old me, anyway. As you can guess, people who want to learn more about language don’t need a nudge from me. ![]() ![]() The response has been overwhelming: thousands upon thousands of emails pouring into my inbox cheering on my new movement and seeking out advice on how to polish one’s grammar skills to perfection. In a recent column, I made the case for resolving to learn more about language and grammar in the new year. ![]()
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