Affected by the effect?

Are you affected by the effect? I’m often guilty of this little one. I stumble on this every time it makes an appearance. My solution to this little problem of mine is remembering the first sentence of this paragraph.  I am affected by the effect.

In other words, affect with an a is “to influence” and effect with an e is “a result.”

For instance …The electric fence really affected the cow. The effect was quite startling.

Or … I can’t believe that affected me so much … It has really had a profound effect on me.

And … New baby chicks affected our routines at the farm, but the effect of the baby chicks has been adorable!

Do you have any tricks for remembering context, spelling, meaning of words?

 

  1. Winnie Nielsen says:

    I too get confused on affect/effect, principal/principle and a few others. What has helped me more than anything was doing the MJF Grammar Badge. To do that badge, I purchased a small desk size Dictionary and keep it right by the computer. Now, I am always looking up the spelling and use of certain words which has made it so much easier for me than spell check. More accurate too. That badge helped me to focus and do something about a problem that always left me with , is this right? feeling. Now I can know the answers and the badge was the perfect way to get me to develop new habits. Now, I can’t imagine not having my trusty dictionary at the ready!

    • Meg says:

      That’s wonderful to hear! And I agree, I don’t like being left with that feeling either. Did I get it right or??? 🙂

  2. Ace says:

    I have a little trick. For remembering the spelling differences between dessert (the sweet treat) and desert (dry land), just remember there is an extra ‘s’ in dessert because you want more of it! 🙂

  3. Betty in Pasco says:

    Thank you so much MaryJane for the solving of my major problem. When I was a secretary (do they use that word any more?) those two words were my downfall. I am sure I mixed them up often. Now my favorite is to, too, and two. I have no problem with those three. Thanks again.

  4. Always remember, and never forget: “A”ffect indicates”A”CTION; “E”ffect indicates”E”nd R”E”SULT! Simple! :0)

  5. Meg says:

    So fun to hear everyone’s little tricks for remembering. 🙂

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