Effected vs. affected

[Kelso]

I just had a little discussion with my fiance that went something like this...

Her: (RE: a birth control pill recall) I'm not effected.

Me: Affected.

Her: I thought affected was a feeling. Like his words don't affect me?

Me: If something has an effect on you then you are affected by it.

Her: Ah, so the word effected would be incorrect always?

But now I think that I was WRONG! I ran to the internets to check... but now I've read those words too many times and they've lost all meaning. Help!

[Holdfast]

To affect is to act upon something else i.e. it creates an effect
However, there is a verb "to effect" which means to complete a purpose.

This sentence might clarify (or confuse) the situation: "We effected a change in their behaviour by affecting their affect which led to the effect that they became more angry".

[scotpens]

Long story short: If it's a verb, "affect" is probably correct.

If it's a noun, "effect" is ALMOST ALWAYS correct.

Now, the exceptions:

As mentioned above, "effect" can be a verb meaning to bring about; to make (something) happen.

And "affect," pronounced AFF-ect with the stress on the first syllable, means feeling or emotion. But it's seldom used outside the psychiatric profession.

Next question?

[MacLeod]

Affect (UK)

1st definition: Influence somebody or something
2nd definition: stir somebodys emotion



Effect (UK)

1st Def: result
2nd Def: power to influence

NB: There other definitions but I've just given the first two listed.

[WillsBabe]

I love English! it's so damn complicated!

[scotpens]

WillsBabe wrote:

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I love English! it's so damn complicated!

The only confusing things about English are the crazy spelling and the proliferation of homophones. Otherwise, English is pretty straightforward, with a logical grammar and no genders.

Now, if folks could only get “principal” and “principle” right . . .

[The Green Mushroom]

They're trying to affect which principles would effect their witch principals over there.

[RJDiogenes]

Despite being a spelling and grammar Nazi, I have a complete mental block about "effect" versus "affect." I've long since given up on getting them straight.

[MacLeod]

scotpens wrote:

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The only confusing things about English are the crazy spelling and the proliferation of homophones. Otherwise, English is pretty straightforward, with a logical grammar and no genders.

Now, if folks could only get “principal” and “principle” right . . .

Add to the fact there are different ways to spell the same word. i.e. Colour (English) Color (American English). Or words that sound the same or spelt different depending on context. i.e. Metre (a unit of length) or Meter (a device used to measure something)

[SmoothieX]

I affect the environment by pouring oil down the storm drain.

The environment is effected because I poured oil down the storm drain.

It depends on the one doing it as opposed to the one hainvg it done to, I think.

[MacLeod]

^Something like that

In order to affect a course they had to fire the thrusters.

The firing of the thrusters effected a course change.

[CorporalCaptain]

SmoothieX wrote:

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The environment is effected because I poured oil down the storm drain.

This is incorrect. Pouring oil down the storm drain did not create the environment.

It should be affected.

[Haggis and tatties]

scotpens wrote:

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The only confusing things about English are the crazy spelling and the proliferation of homophones. Otherwise, English is pretty straightforward, with a logical grammar and no genders.

Now, if folks could only get “principal” and “principle” right . . .

Now i'm not up with all this grammer stuff, but live and let live i say.

[scotpens]

The Green Mushroom wrote:

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They're trying to affect which principles would effect their witch principals over there.

Witch principals? Like Hogwarts headmasters?

CorporalCaptain wrote:

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This is incorrect. Pouring oil down the storm drain did not create the environment.

It should be affected.

CorporalCaptain is right. Active or passive voice makes no difference.

It would be correct to say, “The legislature effected changes in the law which affected the way businesses dispose of hazardous wastes.”

[Kelso]

So... I was right! Right?



Or was this part wrong?

Me: If something has an effect on you then you are affected by it.