Using affect or effect correctly

Using affect or effect correctly

How quick are you in noticing that its "affect" and not "effect" when these words are used in a sentence? You can surely be forgiven for confusing this duo, or how else are you supposed to notice such a minute difference? It is only the "a" that changes to "e" and vice versa to make a whole different meaning.

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So What Is the Similarity Between the Two?

Remotely, "affect" and "effect" may sound similar, especially the last syllables but the two are not true homophones. Interestingly, both words are verbs and nouns, but "affect" is commonly used as a verb and "effect" as a noun.

The Meaning of "affect" and "effect"

Using "affect" and "effect" as a verb.

Affect; means to change or to act on.

Example in sentences

(a) The coronavirus pandemic will affect the economy.

(b) Employing a few waiters will affect the quality of services.

Effect; refer to an outcome, a consequence.

Example in sentences

(a)This lockdown will have a severe effect on my hotel business.

(b)What could be the possible effect of eating a raw octopus?

Using "affect" and "effect" as a noun.

As a noun, "affect" is used to describe a feeling or a psychological context.

Example in a sentence

A confusion affect in some teenagers may be a consequence of drug abuse

As a verb, "effect" means making it happen

Example in a sentence

If you effect curfews in affected areas, it will be easier to carry out tests.

How to Memorize the Use of "affect" and "effect"?

There are three common ways to remember these two words and how to use them in your sentences.

1. One is by using a mnemonic device. This method helps you retain and retrieve information quickly.

2. The alphabetic mnemonic

One simple technique is by using the first letters in each word to hint at the meaning. In the words "affect" and "effect" for example, the letters "a" and "e" appear in the beginnings, respectively. These two letters also occupy different positions in the alphabet: A comes first, then E. memorizing this can go a long way in helping you understand where to use them.

3. AVEN mnemonic

A-affect is

V-a verb

E-effect is

N-a noun

Just read it as: affect is a verb effect is a noun Perfect? You will definitely not forget this.

So, from toward onward, can you promise to regard Affect and Effect as two different words and use them in your writings as so?

Let's quickly summarize everything

• Common usage. Chances are, you will need to use affect as a verb and not a noun. You will also need to use effect in almost all circumstances as a noun rather than a verb.

• You can pair these two words with their common synonyms that begin with the same letters; an example is, effect means "end product."

• Mnemonic technique. You have the alphabet mnemonic and the AVEN pneumonic, which one is more comfortable for you. You are not limited, though. You can always come up with your unique way of differentiating the two.

Thanks to the great article 

Armed with these three tips, you can now go out there and write flawless sentences that do not confuse the words "effect" and "affect". Now that you are knowledgeable, try and alternate them in a sentence and see how much you will laugh at yourself.