Ask the English Teacher: "Effect" as a verb

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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