• @sp3tr4l@lemmy.zip
    link
    fedilink
    21
    edit-2
    2 months ago

    I hope this does not affect your usage of effect in the correct context.

    As a former copy editor I find the effect of using affect incorrectly eye roll inducing.

    But yeah, affect is a verb, effect is a noun.

    The easy rule of thumb for then/than is that if you are comparing things or qualities or quantities of things, you use than, otherwise, then is used.

      • @sp3tr4l@lemmy.zip
        link
        fedilink
        12 months ago

        If you mean that you are having an effect on said change… oh god maybe that’s actually correct?

        If you are affecting (a) change, that would mean you are basically causing change.

        But if you are effecting change, said change would have to have been previously established or referenced.

        I think???

        English is a goddamned shit-show sometimes.

        Anyway, we should bring back the interrobang, and the thorne, and also I actually love the Oxford comma even though the AP style guide hates it.

        • @FooBarrington@lemmy.world
          link
          fedilink
          22 months ago

          It’s the other way around! Effecting a change means causing it, whereas affecting a change would be having some effect on an existing change.

    • @Sadbutdru@sopuli.xyz
      link
      fedilink
      32 months ago

      I came across effect/affect swapping in university level textbook the other day, couldn’t believe it.