Frequently Asked Questions
Spelling
What is the difference between 'affect' and 'effect'? |
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To affect something
is to change or influence it, To effect something is a rather formal way of
saying `to make it happen'. Confusingly, either may produce an 'effect' or result.
('An affect' is a technical term in psychology.)
The stability of the wall was affected by passing lorries.
The demolition of the wall was effected by the detonation of a charge of dynamite.
The dynamite did not just 'affect' (influence) the demolition of the wall: it
caused it.
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