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

[serendipity.livejournal.com]

Yeah: affect is active. At least that helps me remember.

[low-delta.livejournal.com]

Not bad, but I don't think that's going to help. My coworker needs a pretty strong and simple rule. ;-)

[serendipity.livejournal.com]

Well, that's about as simple as it gets, but maybe not strong enough. I guess what I was thinking was more like this.

[low-delta.livejournal.com]

affect is the act
effect is the result

Yeah, that's pretty good.

[serendipity.livejournal.com]

thank you