Because English is a borrowed language, sometimes what seems to be right really isn’t. And when you combine that with writers who fail to distinguish between spoken English and written English, you’ve set the scene for less than effective writing.
For instance, take the words affect and effect. Spoken quickly (or carelessly) enough the two words sound very much the same. And yet the meanings of the words are quite different.
Affect is only a verb (to affect) which means to influence. Effect is both a noun (effect) which means result and a verb (to effect) which means to bring about. The best way to identify the proper word to use is to substitute the word with each of these three definitions. Whichever one makes the most sense indicates the proper word to use.
Let’s examine the sample sentence in the graphic above. If we replace the word affects with each of the three definitions we just entertained, we should spot the correct use rather easily.
For instance, take the words affect and effect. Spoken quickly (or carelessly) enough the two words sound very much the same. And yet the meanings of the words are quite different.
Affect is only a verb (to affect) which means to influence. Effect is both a noun (effect) which means result and a verb (to effect) which means to bring about. The best way to identify the proper word to use is to substitute the word with each of these three definitions. Whichever one makes the most sense indicates the proper word to use.
Let’s examine the sample sentence in the graphic above. If we replace the word affects with each of the three definitions we just entertained, we should spot the correct use rather easily.
Placing these two metals in physical contact creates a galvanic couple which in turn influences the corrosion rate of the anodic piece.
Placing these two metals in physical contact creates a galvanic couple which in turn results the corrosion rate of the anodic piece.
Placing these two metals in physical contact creates a galvanic couple which in turn brings about the corrosion rate of the anodic piece.
Placing these two metals in physical contact creates a galvanic couple which in turn results the corrosion rate of the anodic piece.
Placing these two metals in physical contact creates a galvanic couple which in turn brings about the corrosion rate of the anodic piece.
The correct choice is the final one. Clearly the second choice is incorrect. As for the first choice, certainly the type of metals forming the galvanic couple influence the corrosion rate. But galvanic corrosion doesn’t even exist without a galvanic couple; thus, the galvanic couple brings about the corrosion of the anode, making effects the proper word.
If the word is used as a noun, obviously you should choose effect (singular) or effects (plural). It’s the use of the verb that attends problems. And in that case just substitute the definition and see which one fits better. Affect your knowledge for greater effect, and you’ll see your writing and the representation that makes of you and your brands improve.
If the word is used as a noun, obviously you should choose effect (singular) or effects (plural). It’s the use of the verb that attends problems. And in that case just substitute the definition and see which one fits better. Affect your knowledge for greater effect, and you’ll see your writing and the representation that makes of you and your brands improve.
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