How to Use Effect and Affect
Don’t Create the Wrong Effect – Use Correct Words to Affect Editors!
Jul 2, 2009
Using words incorrectly will affect any writing career, so it’s important to learn how to create the right effect with words. Don’t know how to use effect and affect the right way in writing? Learn how it’s done, and don’t make mistakes that will turn editors and readers off.
Every word creates an effect; every word that’s used the wrong way will have a huge affect on editors and readers who will be carefully scrutinizing every single letter. It’s only two letters (a and e), but it can make the difference between a great piece of writing and one that seems very shoddily done. Don’t create the wrong effect. Learn how to use effect and affect correctly, every time.
Effect
For the most part, the word effect is used as a noun. Often, this word applies to some sort of result to some outside factor. For example, the death of Michael Jackson had a huge effect on the rest of the world. Very commonly, this word is used in the phrase “sound effects.” This word is also used, at times, to denote some sort of action; this is why it’s often extremely confusing and easy to mix up with the word affect. For example, politics can often be used to effect a change. Remember, effect is the result of something else: humidity has a major effect on people with curly hair. This is the correct way to use this word, but don’t get it confused with its homonym affect…because that’s a completely different word despite the similar spelling and even similar meaning.
Affect
Affect is often regarded as something of a tricky word in its own right, even without the added confusion of the word effect in the mix. Generally, the word affect is used as a verb. It’s most commonly used to describe something that influences something else. For example, the editor was affected by the well-written words he read. Remember one of the examples from the section above: humidity has a major effect on people with curly hair. Now, use the word affect and change the sentence to reflect its proper usage: the humidity affected Margot’s curly hair. Sometimes, the word affect is used in the past tense to show an attitude or demeanor: Margot affected an attitude of indifference, despite her frizzy hair.
Using Effect and Affect Properly
In some cases, the difference between effect and affect may seem pretty small. This makes it very easy to confuse the two, but canny editors and readers will immediately spot the difference. A good writer will always use their words properly, even confusing ones like affect and effect. Always use words properly to be a successful writer. Remember how to use effect and affect the right way with a simple phrase: affect editors with great word effects! In this memory phrase, a comes before e (the same way it does in the alphabet). When it doubt, look up the words to be sure the writing is right- because no one wants to give an editor the wrong effect!
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