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© Copyright 1998, Jim Loy
In English, these three words are confusing. I say three words, because they really are three words: affect (verb), effect (noun), and effect (verb). That is the first step to remembering their meanings. Now, let's look in the dictionary (Random House Webster's Dictionary):
| affect (verb) | 1. to produce an effect on. 2. to impress the mind of. |
| effect (verb) | 1. to bring about; to accomplish, to produce. |
| effect (noun) | 1. something produced by a cause;result. |
As you can see, the two verbs have similar meanings. But, we normally use "effect," the verb in the cliche, "to effect a change." We can use it with other objects: "to effect a result." But, that is rare.
So, the way I look at it is this:
| affect | verb | produce an effect. |
| effect | noun | result. |
I affect something, which causes an effect. But, I am not limited to these two usages. I am aware of the cliche, "to effect a change." And because of that, I am free to use "effect," the verb, with other objects. But, I normally do not use that verb.
Maybe this article will effect some improvement in understanding. Sorry.
I received email informing me that affect is also a noun. But affect as a noun is almost exclusively a technical term found in psychology and psychiatry.