Grammar Help

[sg_lab2]

I'm usually very good with my grammar and spelling, but there are some things that trip me up. Affect and effect. I simply cannot keep these two words straight.

Can anyone please tell me the difference and if possible an example in a sentence for each?

Here are two sentences I wrote in a fic and I'm not sure if I've used the right word.

Tests showed no ill affects on Rodney.

It’s unclear if it will be permanent at this point and what the affects will be.

Comments

[lamichelle.livejournal.com]

Generally "affect" is the verb and "effect" the noun. But since this is English, there has to be an exception. :D "Effect" as a verb means "to bring about; accomplish." And there're a couple of things with "affect" as well. My usual go-to source for grammar when I have a question: http://andromeda.rutgers.edu/~jlynch/Writing/index.html (http://andromeda.rutgers.edu/~jlynch/Writing/index.html)

So...

The weather affects my mood.

Although I usually have trouble with Mexican food, tonight I suffered no ill effects from my taco platter dinner.

Despite all my arguments, I could not effect a change in the administration's policy.


Sorry - I have trouble with short answers, but I just love grammar!