So it is useful to sharpen your understanding so that with a minimum of thought you can make a good editing decision when you encounter one of these words. The following thoughts are intended to help equip you for such. 1. Determine if the usage calls for a verb or a noun. It means to change or to alter. The weather affects our moods.
Nutrition affects health.
The seasons affect trees and flowers. Nevertheless, it s still best to avoid, particularly in the last example because it s simply police jargon, and it's good to avoid jargon. When a noun is required, the word is almost always effect. The effect of diligent study habits is better learning. The effect of making the correct choice is a better grade.