Bull's Eye Business Writing Tips:
Getting to Your Writing Target

Tip # 130:  Explain the difference
between affect and effect

Write it right:  Some tips for more effective
letters and memos

Tip # 130:   I received this request:

Can you explain the difference between affect and effect, with examples of each being applied?"

So, here is the explanation:

Affect is usually used as a verb meaning "to influence, change, assume."

For example:
The court's decision will not affect the legal precedent.

In psychology, affect is used as a noun to mean "feeling, emotion."

For example:
We need to analyze the affects (emotions) produced by the conflict.

Effect can be either a verb meaning "to bring about" or a noun meaning "result, impression."

For example:
We must effect (bring about) an immediate improvement.
The effect (result) of the computer is enormous.

Try these sentences. Place either the word "affect" or "effect" in the sentence:

1. Sally's suggestion did not _____the decision.
2. The _____ of the new medicine is excellent.
3. She _______ an unsophisticated manner.
4. It was months before the full ______ took place.

To send the above exercise answers to Gloria for her comments and review,  copy the questions,  paste  them into an email, answer them,  and send to Marsha@basic-learning.com.   All of Our Weekly Tips: Index of Tips 401 to 500 Index of Tips 301 to 400 Index of Tips 201 to 300 Index of Tips 101 to 200 Index of Tips 1 to 100 See this week's tip You can always see the FREE Weekly Business Writing Tip. But you must be on my mailing list to receive the answers!  Please share these FREE tips with your friends. For those who are first-timers, sign up by sending me an email.

These business writing tips brought to you by:
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10 Easy Guides for Getting to Your Writing Target
By Gloria Pincu, M.A. , President of Basic Learning Systems, Inc.
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