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Title: "Affect" or "Effect": It's Harder Than You Think!
Written By: Tim North
Web Site: http://www.BetterWritingSkills.com
© 2006 Tim North
"Affect" and "effect" are commonly misused. Here are some simple examples to help you get them straight. The most common meaning of "affect" is to influence; e.g.
The new image AFFECTED the size of the file.
The new sense of respect AFFECTED him profoundly.
The sunlight has AFFECTED the finish of this paint.
Another meaning of "affect" is to behave artificially; e.g.
He AFFECTED a lisp and pranced about.
He tried to AFFECT an air of sophistication but failed.
A third (and rather obscure) use of "affect" is found in psychotherapy. It refers to the set of emotions associated with an idea or mental state; e.g.
In hysteria, the AFFECT is sometimes entirely dissociated.
In this third usage (only), the stress is on the first syllable, so it's pronounced AFF-ect.
The most common meaning of "effect" is result; e.g.
The EFFECT was that the price doubled.
That isn't the EFFECT we want.
I don't know what the EFFECT of this will be.
Another meaning of "effect" is to cause or to produce; e.g.
Through shrewd tactics, he EFFECTED a turnaround in sales.
Upon taking the job, he EFFECTED sweeping reforms.
About the Author
You'll find many more helpful tips like these in Tim North's much applauded range of e-books.
FREE SAMPLE CHAPTERS are available, and all books come with a money-back guarantee. http://www.BetterWritingSkills.com
Today's article was orginally received for publication in October 2004. The author has given full permission to publish it electronically or in print, free of charge, in its entirety, as long as the article content remains unchanged as is published here today and that the authors copyright with resource box are included.
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