Affect or Effect: Confusing Words Demystified

Some words can sound similar but have entirely different meanings. For example "affect" and "effect" are known to confuse sometimes. English is awash with such seeming contradictions. So how do we deal with these potential trouble spots?

The answer is simple: we learn about them. Your dictionary is sufficient, whether you use a PC-based version, an online service, or a traditional printed copy. As a communicator, resolve to seek out and understand where the potential word traps may lie.

Let's define the differences between "affect" and "effect" now:

• Affect is a cause. Affect means to influence or change some thing or situation. For example: "How will the takeover affect me?"
• Effect is a result of what has happened. For example: "The effect of the takeover means that several new opportunities are now open to me."

However, the word "effect" can also be used as a verb (action word). Here's an example:

• "To effect a good result ..."

Key tip: I suggest you avoid using "effect" as a verb.Why? Such writing can be seen as pompous, ambiguous, old fashioned and clumsy. Usually, a better, simpler and more accurate alternative word choice is most likely available after a few seconds with a thesaurus or dictionary. To "clean up" the previous example above, we could simply rewrite our sentence to read:

• "To ensure a good result ..."