Affect vs. Effect

I am a spell-check supporter. I think it is ludicrous that even a self-proclaimed stellar speller (I do appreciate a good rhyme) would opt not to utilize this tool when writing anything from academic essays to friendly e-mails. If you don't have spell-check enabled on your e-mail client, kindly enable it now. I will not stand for "definately" (the visual equivalent of nails on a chalkboard) any longer, and neither should you, your boss, your mom, or anyone else. But I digress...

The problem is that many people lean on spell-check as a crutch, and therefore are less careful in checking their document for grammatical correctness. Spell-check catches misspelled words, but not misused words. Just because the word exists as it is spelled does not mean it is spelled correctly for the intended meaning. Carelessness, in this sense, makes my blood boil. I am reminded of the "Friends" episode in which Ross, after having read the letter that Rachel wrote to him, screamed in a fit of rage, "Y-O-U-apostrophe-R-E means YOU ARE. Y-O-U-R means YOUR!"

To that same end, a friend recently suggested that I explain the difference between affect and effect. I am happy to oblige. This pair of homophones (the words sound the same but have different meanings) often concerns even self-proclaimed language lovers; the confusion stems from the haziness surrounding the way the difference is taught. Let's break it down.

Affect is most often used in the verb form. It means to influence. For example: The weather affected the turn-out at the picnic. The word affect in this sentence could be replaced with influenced and the sentence would mean the same thing.

Affect in the noun form is quite uncommon, and often misused. It is a psychological term referring to emotion or feeling. For the purposes of everyday conversation, it is best to avoid using affect as a noun.

Effect is most often used in the noun form, as a product of a cause. It means result. For example: The effects of the merger were groundbreaking.

Effect in the verb form is also quite common, though quite often misused. It means to cause. For example: She will effect a change in the organization.

A basic rule of thumb is to first determine which part of speech you are aiming to use. How something affects you may have many effects on your situation.

Does is affect you? (This sentence passed spell-check with flying colors)

How's that for effect?