Affect vs. Effect

[soutter]

Generally, affect as a verb means to influence; effect however is usually the noun resulting from this influence.

Incorrect: Farmers wonder how the drought will effect this year’s crops.

Correct: Farmers wonder how the drought will affect this year’s crops.

Correct: Farmers wonder what effect the drought will have on this year’s crops.

Effect can also be a verb meaning to bring about. Affect can also be a noun, but it is used strictly in psychological contexts.

An affect or affectation is usually an assumed or false mannerism (think of some poseur lovey-dovey crops walking up and down quoting Proust to each other); but an effect (effectation doesn't exist) is a real and tangible result (think of crops sweating and rotting in the heat).

I think this gives a good distinction between these two words that are very much a stylistic bugbear.

[nitikasnv]

Hi,

Affect: Have an effect upon.
ex:Will the new rules affect me

Effect:A phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
ex:the magnetic effect was greater when the rod was lengthwise"

Thanks

[Nightmare85]

I believe I have no problems with "affect" and "effect".
(Hopefully this does not sound arrogant )
In order to be sure, I want to ask if this is correct:
Are you saying that a hot chick has no effect on you at all?
I say effect because it's a noun.
Affect would be right if the sentence was:
Are you saying that a hot chick does not affect you at all?

A confirmation would be very nice!

Cheers!

[RonBee]

Originally Posted by Nightmare85

I believe I have no problems with "affect" and "effect".
(Hopefully this does not sound arrogant )
In order to be sure, I want to ask if this is correct:
Are you saying that a hot chick has no effect on you at all?
I say effect because it's a noun.
Affect would be right if the sentence was:
Are you saying that a hot chick does not affect you at all?

A confirmation would be very nice!

Cheers!

That is exactly right.