1. Account suspended
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    31 Aug '16 08:46
    Can someone explain, illustrate and make a practical application of the difference between affect and effect. Honestly I have tried to look up articles on-line but still have trouble grasping the subtle differences. I remain capable of rational thought - thanks in advance - Robbie.
  2. Joined
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    31 Aug '16 09:14
    Originally posted by robbie carrobie
    Can someone explain, illustrate and make a practical application of the difference between affect and effect. Honestly I have tried to look up articles on-line but still have trouble grasping the subtle differences. I remain capable of rational thought - thanks in advance - Robbie.
    "An effect" of something, is a specific observable change.

    "To affect" something is a non-specific change.

    E.g.

    The effect of doing X to Z was Y

    Doing X may affect Z and the effect could be Y
  3. SubscriberKewpie
    since 1-Feb-07
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    31 Aug '16 10:262 edits
    Affect, noun - a psychiatrist's word, not used in everyday English.

    Affect, verb - to cause a change.
    Effect, noun - a result.
    These two can be tied together. To affect means to have an effect.

    Effect, verb - to carry out.


    Yet another trap for unwary ESL speakers.
  4. Account suspended
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    31 Aug '16 12:04
    Originally posted by Kewpie
    Affect, noun - a psychiatrist's word, not used in everyday English.

    Affect, verb - to cause a change.
    Effect, noun - a result.
    These two can be tied together. To affect means to have an effect.

    Effect, verb - to carry out.


    Yet another trap for unwary ESL speakers.
    ok but that's not helping.
  5. Account suspended
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    31 Aug '16 12:05
    Originally posted by divegeester
    "An effect" of something, is a specific observable change.

    "To affect" something is a non-specific change.

    E.g.

    The effect of doing X to Z was Y

    Doing X may affect Z and the effect could be Y
    this is equally as confusing and not very helpful.
  6. Standard membersmw6869
    Granny
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    31 Aug '16 15:523 edits
    The moon affects the tides.
    The moon has an effect on the tides.
    The effect of the moon on tides is well-documented.
    My affect is affected by the moon.

    Granny.
  7. Subscribersonhouse
    Fast and Curious
    slatington, pa, usa
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    31 Aug '16 16:091 edit
    Originally posted by robbie carrobie
    this is equally as confusing and not very helpful.
    Here is a link to a worksheet about the two:

    http://www.k12reader.com/worksheet/commonly-confused-words-worksheet-affect-vs-effect/view/

    My example: He started to talk but he had an affect that made him stutter.

    Stuttering had the effect of reducing his ability to communicate.
  8. Subscriberrookie54
    free tazer tickles..
    wildly content...
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    31 Aug '16 16:17
    i'd like to have an effect on robbie,
    so yall quit tryin to help him!!!
    his tawdry stance is naught but affect,
    and his lying is definitely a sin...
  9. Subscribersonhouse
    Fast and Curious
    slatington, pa, usa
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    31 Aug '16 16:21
    Originally posted by rookie54
    i'd like to have an effect on robbie,
    so yall quit tryin to help him!!!
    his tawdry stance is naught but affect,
    and his lying is definitely a sin...
    Pejorative but correct English, mostly.
  10. Subscriberrookie54
    free tazer tickles..
    wildly content...
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    31 Aug '16 16:24
    Originally posted by sonhouse
    Pejorative but correct English, mostly.
    i'm hot for teacher...
  11. Subscribersonhouse
    Fast and Curious
    slatington, pa, usa
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    31 Aug '16 16:43
    Originally posted by rookie54
    i'm hot for teacher...
    So much for the correct English.
  12. The Ghost Chamber
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    31 Aug '16 17:06
    Originally posted by robbie carrobie
    Can someone explain, illustrate and make a practical application of the difference between affect and effect. Honestly I have tried to look up articles on-line but still have trouble grasping the subtle differences. I remain capable of rational thought - thanks in advance - Robbie.
    To make things easier I have put the wheels in motion to eliminate the word 'affect' from the English language.

    It is possible the Queen will ignore my letter.
  13. Joined
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    31 Aug '16 17:13
    Do a search on affect effect.
  14. Standard memberHandyAndy
    Read a book!
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    31 Aug '16 17:15
    Originally posted by robbie carrobie
    Can someone explain, illustrate and make a practical application of the difference between affect and effect. Honestly I have tried to look up articles on-line but still have trouble grasping the subtle differences. I remain capable of rational thought - thanks in advance - Robbie.
    Even though both affect and effect can be either verb or noun,
    think of affect as primarily a verb, and effect as primarily a noun.
  15. Unknown Territories
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    31 Aug '16 18:10
    Originally posted by Kewpie
    Affect, noun - a psychiatrist's word, not used in everyday English.

    Affect, verb - to cause a change.
    Effect, noun - a result.
    These two can be tied together. To affect means to have an effect.

    Effect, verb - to carry out.


    Yet another trap for unwary ESL speakers.
    ESL writers, perhaps.
    Speakers couldn't really distinguish.
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