affect vs. effect

[low_delta]

I know the difference between the words "affect" and "effect," but I have trouble explaining it. "Affect" is a verb, and "effect" is a noun (most commonly). That explains it pretty well, actually, but people still have trouble remembering. Does anyone have any mnemonic or any kind of trick they use to remember?

Comments

[low-delta.livejournal.com]

I thought of comparing "effective," but I'm not really sure how to apply it.

[vwip.livejournal.com]

If something (some cause) has the desired effect, then it must be effective.

[low-delta.livejournal.com]

An effect is effective? That would work as long as one isn't cofused by "affect". Now is it and effect is effective, or an affect is affective?

[vwip.livejournal.com]

No, something that causes an effect could be effective.

To affect something is to have an effect on it (in some senses of each word).

[low-delta.livejournal.com]

Okay, you're not helping!