The Correct Usage of Words by DL Larson

Recently I've noticed the misuse of a few words and have the urge to call up the author and share one of my old professor's nuggets of gold. Nuggets of gold was the term Prof. B used when explaining how to remember the proper use of certain words. The words I've noticed lately are the misuse of "affect and effect." Folks tend to mix up the two and I don't blame them, they are tricky.

The nugget of gold on effect and affect:
Affect is a verb. Effect is a noun.

Easy to say, harder to remember, I know. So the nugget of gold that will help keep things straight is this: the same letter game. a-a, and e-e. Confused? Let me explain. Things ARE AFFECTED by ... and THE EFFECT is ...

Do you see how the letter game works? a-a as in Are Affected, makes affect a verb every time. And, e-e as in thE Effect, makes effect a noun every time.

I loved Prof. B's nuggets of gold. At the time, way back when, I thought it was silly. But I can't tell you how many times I have referred back to her teachings. It has saved me from looking up the proper usage many times. I hope it helps you too.

Do you have any nuggets of gold to share? We'd love to hear from you.

Til next time ~

DL Larson