Posted by Larry Hoover on August 27, 2004, at 9:37:59
In reply to Re: affect/effect » Larry Hoover, posted by fallsfall on August 27, 2004, at 9:13:06
> I'm still confused. My brain is a bit mushy, but I checked Webster's, too, and I don't quite get it.
>
> I know that the noun "affect" refers to emotional display, and is used primarily in Psychology (so we should use the noun "affect" a bit on these boards...).
>
> But I'm not clear on the difference between the verbs "affect" and "effect". These days, I tend to put in "effect" even when I want to put "affect" because I'm thinking that "affect" (the verb) has to refer to emotions, but I'm guessing (based on your post and the dictionary) that that is wrong.One thing about English is how it sponges up (how's that for a new compound verb?) new meanings. Affect in psychology is used to describe the outcome of random stressors on the state of mind.
> Can you give me a couple of "effect" and "affect" (verb) examples?
The difference between the two is intent.
The high humidity affected the pretty curls she worked so hard to create, and her hair went limp. (The humidity didn't set out to make her hair limp, but it may be why it went limp.)
The presidential election may give the Democrats a chance to effect some new foreign policy initiatives. (Directed effort.)
> These posts effect my affect. (is that right, or is it affect my affect?)
Affect your affect would be appropriate, here.
The best clue is to consider the intent, and try to apply other verb derivatives, as a test. Was the action effective? Did it have the desired effect?
Affect is the more general case, including random associations.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:382165
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040820/msgs/382885.html