Word Usage
Mary W. Ng
June 26, 2009
affect, effect
Affect is a verb meaning “to influence” or “to assume a pose”. As a verb, effect means “to bring about”.
| Incorrect: | The environmental choices we make today effect our future. |
| Correct: | The environmental choices we make today affect our future. |
| Incorrect: | Positive thought can affect a cure. |
| Correct: | Positive thought can effect a cure. |
Affect is not used as a noun. As a noun, effect means “result” or “use”.
| Incorrect: | We do not know the full affects of these poisonous chemicals. |
| Correct: | We do not know the full effects of these poisonous chemicals. |