Guest  +  1217 Sun, 22 Jun 03 09:24 PM I do medical transcription and always seem to have trouble with the use of the word effect and affect. Sometimes it is very obvious. The following sentence I questioned: I have enclosed portions of a chapter from Baker's Textbook of Clinical Neurology, which I believe you will find of significance in discussing the origins of cerebral palsy and its affect on motor function and gait. Is this correct? Guest Effect and Affect

	hitchhiker  +  1316 Wed, 25 Jun 03 06:35 PM I have enclosed portions of a chapter from Baker's Textbook of Clinical Neurology, which I believe you will find of significance in discussing the origins of cerebral palsy and its affect on motor function and gait. In this case I'd use 'effect', (I find this tricky too!) ef·fect n. Something brought about by a cause or agent; a result. The power to produce an outcome or achieve a result; influence: The drug had an immediate effect on the pain. The government's action had no effect on the trade imbalance. A scientific law, hypothesis, or phenomenon: the photovoltaic effect. Advantage; avail: used her words to great effect in influencing the jury. The condition of being in full force or execution: a new regulation that goes into effect tomorrow. Something that produces a specific impression or supports a general design or intention: The lighting effects emphasized the harsh atmosphere of the drama. A particular impression: large windows that gave an effect of spaciousness. Production of a desired impression: spent lavishly on dinner just for effect. The basic or general meaning; import: He said he was greatly worried, or words to that effect. effects Movable belongings; goods. af·fect1 tr.v. To have an influence on or effect a change in: Inflation affects the buying power of the dollar. To act on the emotions of; touch or move. To attack or infect, as a disease: Rheumatic fever can affect the heart. hitchhiker Joined on Mon, Nov 18 2002 Richmond, UK Senior Member 3,552 "They obstinately persisted in their absence." —HGTG

	hitchhiker  +  4025 Tue, 12 Aug 03 06:20 AM Found this: Affect is a verb. Look at the a in affect and think "action." The movie affected her greatly. Effect is a verb or a noun. It's most commonly used as a noun. The movie had an effect on her. As a verb, effect means to bring something about, especially a change. Encarta World English Dictionary offers this example: They effected their escape through a rear window. But there's no difference between saying that and saying "They escaped through a rear window," so you should always think twice before using effect as a verb. hitchhiker Difference Between, Nouns, Verbs

	kitkattail  +  4029 Tue, 12 Aug 03 07:25 AM The pedant in me has to point out that "affect" can be used as a noun too, meaning a particular emotion. But yeah, generally you're safe if you use "affect" as a verb and "effect" as a noun, unless you're trying to effect a change in your affects. kitkattail Joined on Tue, Aug 12 2003 Toronto Full Member 400 Nouns, Verbs

	hitchhiker  +  4030 Tue, 12 Aug 03 07:26 AM Kitkattail - You're a tough one, valid point! Good to have you with us.. hitchhiker

	kitkattail  +  4038 Tue, 12 Aug 03 08:03 AM Aww... I feel all warm and fuzzy inside! By the way, I must take a moment to express how awesome this site is. I just came across it today, and I'm having way too much fun responding to all these questions. I just hope I'm not being a little overzealous. Do let me know if I become irksome, will you? kitkattail