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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