Creative Power Writing™

Coaching and Consulting

(placeholder)

The difference between affect and effect is a breeze if you know this trick to help you remember!

Affect comes before effect in the dictionary: a before e.

That's all you have to remember to know which word to use when. Here's why:

Creative Power Writing Instruction

Business Writing Techniques

Creative Writing

Essay Writing

Argument

Grammar and Punctuation

Creativity Development

Services

Small/Large Group Seminars (Lecture/Discussion)

Face-to-face/Video

Workshops (Hands-on)

One-on-one Coaching

     • Face-to-face

     • Phone/Email

     • Videochat (Facetime/Skype)

Independent Online Instruction

Formats


A Sampling of Seminar/Workshop Titles...

I will personalize your instruction, but here are some topics you might explore...

The Power of Words10—10 timeless techniques of great writers and orators

Once Upon a Report—Evoke emotion through story

Lego® Writing—Build meaning and solidify structure

Thank You! May I Have Another?—25 creative ways to say thank you, but not good night

Fun reFreshers™--Plain-English, easy-to-remember grammar goodies          


How effectively do you communicate?  

Are your commas AWOL? Do your sentences run on like Forrest Gump? Or do they need a swift kick from the Energizer Bunny? Perhaps you're a good writer who just needs some inspiration and new ideas.

Writing workshops and seminars help all types of writers up their game. Schedule coaching for yourself or professional development training for your team!

Coaching and Consulting Services

Set up a consultation or coaching session now! Email Susan@creativepowerwriting.com

A Mini-Lesson: Affect/Effect

Affect means to have an influence on something; to change it.

It is a verb; an action.

Affect=Action         

Effect is the result of change; the end of an action.

It is a noun; an end result.

Effect=End

For example, you might affect (have an influence on or change) the outcome of an exam by studying. You must do the action (studying) first, before you see the effect (the A+). In other words, you affect the situation, and then you see the effects. Just as a comes before e, affect comes before effect.

A

E

(placeholder)
(placeholder)

Self-check:

1. end result, noun, effect

2. action, verb, affect

3. end result, noun, effect

4. end result, noun, effect

5. action, verb, affect

Affect

(by studying)

the Exam

then see the Effect

(placeholder)

Another Example

The (affect, effect) of a good fitness regimen

will be better health.

Is this sentence talking about the action (affect, verb) or the end result (effect, noun)?

• You might know you need a noun in the sentence.

• The sentence talks about the end result of exercising. After you study, you get the A+.

Since the end result comes after action, effect comes after action in ABC order, and end and effect both begin with e, the correct choice is effect.

Let's Try It

Here's the rule in a real sentence:     

Using a new mouthpiece may (affect, effect)

the way you play the trumpet.

Is the sentence talking about the action (affect, verb) or the end result (effect, noun)?

• You might know you need a verb in the sentence.

• The sentence talks about doing something (using a new mouthpiece). Remember, you have to do the studying before you get the A+.

Since action comes first, affect comes first in ABC order, and action and affect both begin with a, the correct choice is affect.

Exercises

In these sentences, identify the missing word as

a) action or end result

b) verb or noun

c) affect or effect

1. The chemotherapy caused a terrible side (affect, effect).

2. She wasn't going to let the cold (affect, effect) her performance.

3. What (affect, effect) do bee stings have on you?

4. Jill's betrayal had a sobering (affect, effect) on Eric.

5. I'll never let your criticism (affect, effect) my self-esteem.

(placeholder)

Wilson/flickr

image by rawpixel from pixabay