Tuesday, October 5, 2010

The effect of the affect

OK, I remember now. It's the confusion of "affect" and "effect".

Normally...normally..."affect" is a verb and "effect" is a noun. So...
How does the new bylaw affect you? but
What is the effect of the new bylaw?

But, English being what it is, "affect" can sometimes be a noun and "effect" can be a verb.

"Effect" (the verb) means to cause something to happen, to bring about something. For example, "President Obama promised, if re-elected, to effect any change that didn't get effected the first time."

At one time, the noun "affect" was synonymous with "affection; passion; sensation; inclination; inward disposition or feeling". In modern times it is sometimes used by the shrinkers of heads, meaning "feeling or emotion" or "an expressed or observed emotional response". So, "The effect of his affect was quite shocking."

All clear now? You're welcome.

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