by Bahija Haidaoui

Created on: September 03, 2009   Last Updated: September 05, 2009

Is that an affect or an effect? How to tell the difference between them and avoid usage errors.

Merriam-Webster defines affect as the out-dated root of the word affection, with it's origins in Middle English, combining Anglo-French and Latin meanings. The more common usage is the conscious subjective aspect of an emotion considered apart from bodily changes; also : a set of observable manifestations of a subjectively experienced emotion. If someone shows an observable behavior or emotion, it is considered their affect. Seeming withdrawn or distant after a loss or shock would be considered a normal affect. Smiling at inappropriate times would be a questionable affect. Affect is only used when describing the outward appearance of a person's feelings or emotional state.

While the root of effect can also be traced to Middle English Anglo-French & Latin terms as well, the words have very different meanings. Effect is most commonly used as an observable event. For example, we see the effects of global warming in weather pattern changes, melting ice-caps, and slight temperature increases world wide. The same usage is applied to the phrase cause and effect being something that can be seen and experienced as the direct result of another action or occurrence.

There are other uses of the word effect. Merriam-Webster lists purpose, intent, and meaning, along with, goods, as in the case of a patient's personal effects.

Accomplishment, fulfillment, and influence (meaning the power to bring about an event) are additional uses, as are, to give or make an impression or to create an agent to make said impressions (as in Special Effects). Effect can also mean virtually, as in, the suspect's statement was, in effect, a blanket admission of guilt. Other uses include operative, as when a law or rule goes into effect.

To avoid usage issues, focus on using affect properly which should be less complicated because it has fewer meanings. For all other uses, the word you are looking for is effect. You might try reminders like, an affect is effective or linking affect, which shows emotion, to the word affection. It is also important to remember that not all spell-checks point out commonly confused words, so you might be on your own to make sure your fingers typed what your brain meant.

Using affect in place of effect is, in effect, not only changing the meaning of your writing, but making a careless mistake that may very well effect how your reader sees your work and you. Remember, the most effective writing is not only fluid and concise, but error free.

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