Language Lesson 8

Grammar Lesson Eight: Affect and Effect

One of the trickiest problems for many students is the correct use of the words affect and effect. Let's look at their meanings:

Affect is, for our purposes, always a verb. (There is a specialized use of the word affect as a noun in the field of psychology, and if you become a psych major in college you'll have to deal with it.) For now, however, remember: affect is a verb that means (1) to act on, impress, change (2) to feign or pretend

Here are some examples:

1. Dante was greatly affected by what he saw in Circle Seven.

2. The boiling blood of the Phelgethon River affected the sinners immensely; they writhed in agony.

3. Dante's descriptions affect the reader with vivid and terrifying power.

4. While reading The Inferno out loud, the teacher affected an Italian accent.

Got it? Now, let's look at effect. It can either be a noun or a verb.

(1) effect (n.)- a result, influence or impression

Here are some examples:

1. The effect of the punishment on the sinners was apparent.

2. Virgil's guidance had a positive effect on Dante.

3. The effect of Dante's journey through hell is clear; he is terrified.

4. The menacing looks of the centaurs had an immediate effect on the sinners.

Hint: One way to check for the proper use of effect in a sentence is to try the articles "the," "a" or "an" in front of it. If it makes sense, use the word effect.

(2) The word effect as a noun can also be used in the plural -- effects.

In this sense it means belongings or personal possessions.

1. Dante was not allowed to carry his personal effects on the journey to hell; no luggage is permitted.

(3) The final use of effect is as a verb. It means to accomplish or to bring about. In this use, the sentence will often have either or the word or implication of change or metamorphosis.

Look at these examples:

1. Dante wanted to effect a change in the reader's sensibilities, to warn the reader of the danger of sin, and to entertain the reader while teaching a lesson.

2. In order to effect a change in the reader's view, Dante vividly describes the punishments of hell.

Okay--- take a deep breath now and try these on your own. (The answers are on the next page. Don't cheat--- a circle will await you!) Look back at the rules if you get stuck.

1. The (affect/effect) of The Inferno on the reader is often significant and profound.

2. Dante's appearance in the Second Circle (affected/effected) a change in the weather; the passionate winds stopped howling.

3. Dante's political views (affected/effected) his entire life.

4. The centaurs' personal (affects/effects) included bows and arrows.

Answers!

1. The effect of The Inferno on the reader is often significant and profound.

2. Dante's appearance in the Second Circle effected a change in the weather; the passionate winds stopped howling.

3. Dante's political views affected his entire life.

4. The centaurs' personal effects included bows and arrows.

To The Inferno Lesson 9: Malebolge!

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