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"Affect" and "effect" are commonly misused.
Here are some simple examples to help you get them straight.
The most common meaning of "affect" is to
influence; e.g.
- The new image AFFECTED the size of the
file.
- The new sense of respect AFFECTED him
profoundly.
- The sunlight has AFFECTED the finish
of this paint.
Another meaning of "affect" is to behave
artificially; e.g.
- He AFFECTED a lisp and pranced about.
- He tried to AFFECT an air of
sophistication but failed.
A third (and rather obscure) use of
"affect" is found in psychotherapy. It refers to the set of emotions
associated with an idea or mental state; e.g.
- In hysteria, the AFFECT is sometimes
entirely dissociated.
- In this third usage (only), the stress
is on the first syllable, so it's pronounced AFF-ect.
The most common meaning of "effect" is
result; e.g.
- The EFFECT was that the price doubled.
- That isn't the EFFECT we want.
- I don't know what the EFFECT of this
will be.
Another meaning of "effect" is to cause or
to produce; e.g.
- Through shrewd tactics, he EFFECTED a
turnaround in sales.
- Upon taking the job, he EFFECTED
sweeping reforms.
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Author: Tim North,
www.BetterWritingSkills.com,
E-MAIL:
info@betterwritingskills.com
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