11 Rules of Writing – Common Mistakes [& Fixes]
Getting your message across may seem a bit harder online than in real life. Not that there's less means to do so. A whole lot of methods including audio tracks, videos, animations and other visuals are available for you at any second.
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Ask the English Teacher: "Effect" as a verb
Betty writes:
Would you please discuss "effect" used as a verb (as opposed to "affect")?
This is a thorny issue! "Affect" and "effect" are often confused. Let's start with their most common usages.
"Affect" is usually a verb meaning "to influence": How will this quiz affect my grade?
"Effect" is usually a noun meaning "result" or "consequence": The quiz had a bad effect on my grade.
But both words have other meanings as well. "Affect" can be a noun meaning "display of emotion": The killer displayed no affect when shown photos of his victims.
This is a rather technical word, used by psychologists but not by most people. (It's also where we get the word "affectionate.")
And to answer Betty's question, "effect" can be a verb meaning "to bring about," "to cause," or "to achieve": He effected his escape with knotted bedsheets. You will effect these changes on Monday.
This is another "technical" word, more used by bureaucrats than by ordinary people.
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How to Get Better At Asking Questions | Grammarly Blog
If you are asking a colleague for something—like an explanation of the database they created—they may take a defensive stance if you don't frame the question with positive affirmations. Instead, try complimenting their project first: "Karla, this database looks fantastic. Could you explain this one section to me in more detail?" This way, you will set yourself up for the answer you want instead of receiving kickback.
Before you wander over to your coworker's desk and interrupt the eBook they're writing, make sure you fully understand the purpose of your question. If their response is "Why?" or "How come?", you should be able to quickly and painlessly explain the reasons behind your asking.
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Top Internet abbreviations for tweeting and texting
One of the assumptions is that the greater part of abbreviations appeared because teens needed to hide their private chats from parents' eyes. And there are specific examples that confirm it:
The craziest thing is that today our parents also use IM abbreviations to chat with their friends. However, sometimes their messages make us blush and even fofl (falling on floor laughing).
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