This doesn't look correct.

December 22, 2009 5:27 AM

Affect/Effect

Affect/effect - which is correct in this phrase: "reset the confidence regarding government’s affect and role...." Thanks in advance.

posted by tizzie to Writing & Language (9 answers total)

effect
posted by mkultra at 5:28 AM on December 22, 2009 [1 favorite]

"effect", unless you're trying to say something truly unusual. It would help to have the context to be sure.
posted by atrazine at 5:29 AM on December 22, 2009

(unless you're somehow referring to the emotional airs put on by government)
posted by mkultra at 5:29 AM on December 22, 2009

Effect. Unless you are discussing the government's mood.
posted by thebrokedown at 5:30 AM on December 22, 2009

Both are correct, depending on what you mean to convey. "Affect" here would mean the outward manifestation of the government's general intent. "Effect" would mean the results of the government, or presumably (with whatever follows the ellipses) the results of some program or policy implemented by the government.
posted by ellF at 5:30 AM on December 22, 2009

Response by poster: That's what I thought - thanks. Hate to correct the boss unless I feel 100 percent confident!
posted by tizzie at 5:35 AM on December 22, 2009

Best answer: Effect (n): result (The effect of the policy was positive.)
Effect (v): to produce (He wanted to effect a change in the policy.)

Affect (n): the experience of an emotion (Her depression caused a change in her affect.)
Affect (v): to change or influence (The new policy will affect her employer.)

The two definitions I've bolded are the ones most likely to be confused. Oh, and there's also:
Effects (n): possessions (The TSA rifled through her personal effects.)
Affected (adj.): faked with an intent to deceive (His British accent was affected.)
posted by decathecting at 5:48 AM on December 22, 2009 [9 favorites]

Previously.
posted by Jaltcoh at 6:30 AM on December 22, 2009

The only way I am able to remember these is as "an affected English accent" vs. "Chilling effect." Eminent and imminent used to also cause me to routinely ask my mother "Which one is the Pope?" to which she would reply "Eminent, unless he's coming to dinner."
posted by DarlingBri at 7:07 AM on December 22, 2009 [3 favorites]