Speaking of effecting change, Gandhi is frequently given credit for the quote, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Powerful words? Absolutely. Of everything you might feel up against, the English language doesn’t have to be on the list. (See what I did there? In effect? Yep, for something to be “in effect,” it’s another usage of “effect” with an “e.”)Ĭomplicated? It seems so it’s true. English language rule exceptions are in effect again. I see the logic of “affecting” here, but it’s simply not the correct answer. No matter how you might be doing it, you’re effecting change. The correct phrase is “to effect change.” Yes, “effect” with an “e.”Īre you effecting change in your community through your work or your words?Īre you effecting change in your manuscript by delving into your editing?Īre you effecting change among your family and friends by being the role model desperately needed?
The moment you think of noun versus verb, you might think you have it down. Is it “Affect Change” or “Effect Change”? I could go deeper here (and have … ahem, Get a Grip…), but let’s get to the crux of today’s conversation. Okay, perhaps words don’t actually want to mess with you, but it feels like that sometimes, doesn’t it? Simple, right?īut are you bothered that I used “commonly” in both of those definitions? That’s because there are a lot of subtleties to these two words, where they just want to mess with you. When you affect something, there is an effect. “Effect” is most commonly a noun meaning “a result.”.“Affect” is most commonly a verb meaning “to influence.”.“Affect Change” or “Effect Change”?ĭo you still feel as confident as you did a moment ago? But then came this moment in your life, and you’re ready to “effect change” in the world (or are you ready to “affect change” in the world)? Uh oh. “effect.” You didn’t even need Get a Grip on Your Grammar to teach you the difference between this tricky pair.
When change is in the air-when you can see it in the clouds, on the streets, or anywhere else-what are you going to do?
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