• sp3ctr4l@lemmy.zip
    21·
    7 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.

    • Classy@sh.itjust.works
      3·
      7 months ago

      This is me with everyday and every day. It’s an everyday occurrence that I see everyday used incorrectly!

      • sp3ctr4l@lemmy.zip
        0·
        6 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
          2·
          6 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
      3·
      7 months ago

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