Affect vs Effect

I always find myself getting confused between 'Affect' and 'Effect'. I am pretty sure I am not the only one. I think I always use the right one when needed but its more of a reflex then I know for sure it is the right word to use. So I decided to look up what the rules are. Turns out that these words are also homonyms just like too/to/two and there/their/they're. No wonder why they are confusing. In case you do not know what a homonym is, it is when words are very similar but have very different meanings.

First things first lets get a definition of each word to set a base. Now the definition for the word affect according to yourdictionary.com is:

1. To have an influence on or cause a change in: Inflation affects the buying power of the dollar.
2. To act on the emotions of; touch or move.
3. To attack or infect, as a disease: Rheumatic fever can affect the heart.

 The definition for effect is:

1. Something brought about by a cause or agent; a result.
2. The power to produce an outcome or achieve a result; influence: The drug had an immediate effect on the pain. The government's action had no effect on the trade imbalance.
3. A scientific law, hypothesis, or phenomenon: the photovoltaic effect. |
4. Advantage; avail: used her words to great effect in influencing the jury.
5. The condition of being in full force or execution: a new regulation that goes into effect tomorrow.
6. Something that produces a specific impression or supports a general design or intention: The lighting effects emphasized the harsh atmosphere of the drama.
7. A particular impression: large windows that gave an effect of spaciousness.
8. Production of a desired impression: spent lavishly on dinner just for effect.
9. The basic or general meaning; import: He said he was greatly worried, or words to that effect.

I am not going to lie I am still a little bit confused. It seems that effect is the word more commonly used than affect as far as when it applies. I think my best bet here is to remember when affect is used and when affect doesn't apply its effect. So according to the definition affect is used when dealing with having influence on or causing a change, acting on emotions, and an attack or infection such as a disease affecting the rate of the heart beat.

I am sure as to why the English language can be so confusing. I love it when words rhyme but why do so many words have to sound so similar and have such different meanings. But on the upside, I at least have a better understanding of homonyms and the use of affect vs effect which in my opinion is one of the most confusing homonyms.

Rules Project 4: Helpful Grammar Memes

Some grammar memes are here to give us a helping hand. They want us to know how bad our statements can come across if not given the proper punctuation or spelling or capitalization.

I don't think we always remember how important capitalization can be some times. I know I when writing something fast to my friends will just asume they know what I mean. However, this particular meme puts the importance of capitalization in perspective. I apologize in advance for the slight raunchiness.

How many people reading this may have easily texted uncle jack instead of Uncle Jack? Of course pretending for the moment that you have an Uncle Jack. Capitalization is very important and is overlooked a little bit more than realized. Here are some basic rules for when to capitalize: 

Rule 1

Capitalize the first word of a quoted sentence.  

Rule 2

Capitalize a proper noun. 

Rule 3

Capitalize a person's title when it precedes the name. Do not capitalize when the title is acting as a description following the name. 

Rule 4

Capitalize the person's title when it follows the name on the address or signature line. 

Rule 5

Capitalize the titles of high-ranking government officials when used before their names. Do not capitalize the civil title if it is used instead of the name. 

Rule 6

Capitalize any title when used as a direct address. 

Rule 7

Capitalize points of the compass only when they refer to specific regions. 

Rule 8

Always capitalize the first and last words of titles of publications regardless of their parts of speech. Capitalize other words within titles, including the short verb forms Is, Are, and Be. 

Rule 9

Capitalize federal or state when used as part of an official agency name or in government documents where these terms represent an official name. If they are being used as general terms, you may use lowercase letters. 

Rule 10

You may capitalize words such as department, bureau, and office if you have prepared your text in the following way:

Example:
The Bureau of Land Management (Bureau) has some jurisdiction over Indian lands. The Bureau is finding its administrative role to be challenging. 

Rule 11

Do not capitalize names of seasons. 

Rule 12

Capitalize the first word of a salutation and the first word of a complimentary close. 

Rule 13

Capitalize words derived from proper nouns. 

Rule 14

Capitalize the names of specific course titles. 

Rule 15

After a sentence ending with a colon, do not capitalize the first word if it begins a list. 

Rule 16

Do not capitalize when only one sentence follows a sentence ending with a colon. 

Rule 17

Capitalize when two or more sentences follow a sentence ending with a colon.  

<http://www.grammarbook.com/punctuation/capital.asp>

Now besides capitalization, it is also important to remember what tense you are in while you are writing.

When confusing tenses in a sentence it can make it very confusing for the reader or person listening. Just try to remember that past tense means it has already occurred, present tense means it is occurring now and that is true in the past, present, and future, and finally future tense means it is something that will occur but has not happened yet.


Some people are confused with this rule:

The rule is a little bit weird but it is necessary. Especially since the word 'weird' does not have a 'c' in it and it is an exception. But here is something to help explain this rule a little clearer for you:

Rule #1: “I before E except after C”;

This rule, designed to help us remember how to spell words such as receive and chief, seems so promising in its simplicity at first.

• achieve, believe, bier, brief, hygiene, grief, thief, friend, grieve, chief, fiend, patience, pierce, priest
• ceiling, conceive, deceive, perceive, receipt, receive, deceit, conceit

But then things get complicated: it doesn't work with words pronounced "ay" as in neighbor, freight, beige, sleigh, weight, vein, and weigh and there are many exceptions to the rule: either, neither, feint, foreign, forfeit, height, leisure, weird, seize, and seizure.

Still, the rule is relatively simple and worth remembering.

( http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/spelling.htm)

If this has made you even more confused with all the exceptions here is a little phrase to help you remember:

I hope that that will help make things a little easier to remember when to use 'i' before 'e' and when not. It is definitely one of those english rules that can be a little bit confusing with so many exceptions. 

New Pet Peeve

So my friend was texting me and one of his responses was "kools" instead of cool. Most text language does not bother me. Usually I get the basic understanding that text message language is made to be quick and simple so words are frequently shortened or abbreviated. However...."kools" does not fall under either of those. In fact the word for some reason is even longer than the original. Also can any one explain to me why it is necessary to switch the 'c' with a 'k'? Every time I receive that word in a text I cringe. I was always one of those people that when asked what your pet peeves are I always didn't have an answer but now I most definitely have one.

I started thinking as to why 'kools' was now used instead of 'cool' and really the only thing I could think of is maybe its a generation thing. My friend is 4yrs younger than I. My sister is 6yrs younger than I. My little sister also occasionally uses 'kool' instead of 'cool' and I have noticed so do many of her friends. I looked at conversations between me and my friends at my age and older and I noticed that the word 'cool' was used correctly when needed. To me that says this new wonderful pet peeve of mine is used by the younger generations. I can't think of an acceptable reason to switch out how to spell cool in this case. I am curious what you guys think. Do you think this pushes over the line for acceptable texting language? Or that the word 'kools' for 'cool' is even needed?

Rules Project 3: Grammar sign fails

Last time we dove a bit into the Grammar Nazi world and how they can be sometimes be very intense and other times be humorous to get the point across to their victims. Next I want to take a look at real signs in the real world where there was a grammatical fail. For reference I used Your Dictionary Grammar. Here on the site they outline in alphabetical order the 100 top most misspelled words. If you'd like to take a look here is the site link for you:

http://grammar.yourdictionary.com/spelling-and-word-lists/misspelled.html

For this picture we know the correct word has been cleverly spray painted onto the sign by possibly a grammar nazi however we all know that for some reason "drive thru" seems to be widely accepted. However, we know the word is really supposed to be through. I thought about it and wasn't even sure that "thru" is a real word...however i found this blurb that shed a bit of insight on the topic seeing I am not the only one confused on the topic.

Through Versus Thru

It gets a little more dicey when trying to decide between through (t-h-r-o-u-g-h) and thru (t-h-r-u). I actually didn't think t-h-r-u was a word when I first heard your question, but I looked it up just to be sure and was really surprised to find it in the dictionary, where it is listed as an informal, simplified spelling of the word t-h-r-o-u-g-h.

Wow. So in some informal instances it appears that it is OK to use thru; but I think I'd be remiss if I actually told you to go ahead and use it. My impression is that using the spelling t-h-r-u is kind of equivalent to dotting your i's with little hearts: people will know what you mean, but they'll think you aren't a very serious person. I would definitely stick with the more formal and widely accepted spelling: t-h-r-o-u-g-h.

Many people are surprised to learn that finding a word in the dictionary doesn't automatically mean that word is widely accepted by society. You'll find the words thru (t-h-r-u), irregardless, and ain't in many dictionaries, but that doesn't mean you should use them in your cover letters. It just means they are in wide enough use that dictionary makers believe the words must be acknowledged and defined.

There are just a couple of instances I could think of where it might be acceptable to use thru (t-h-r-u). One is in a text message to a friend because, like it or not, the expectations for grammar and spelling in text messages between friends are lower than in other forms of writing. Also, people are probably more likely to accept the informal spelling in places where space is extremely tight, such as on road signs, advertisements, or again, in text messaging.

So this word is in the dictionary but as stated above so are a few others that are not considered grammatically correct such as "ain't" and "irregardless". I'm not sure I deem it a real word but what are your thoughts?

This is one of my favorite fails. The correct spelling is: 

twelfth - Even if you omit the [f] in your pronunciation of this word (which you shouldn't do), it is retained in the spelling. (http://grammar.yourdictionary.com/spelling-and-word-lists/misspelled.html)

It is very important to use quotation marks when you are supposed to because you get situations like that wonderful meme above. The quotation marks here change the command it was meant to be into you could or could not wash your hands. I think if we saw this at a restaurant in the bathroom we would not eat there.

Speaking of the importance of proper punctuation, this meme clearly shows the importance of commas! 

 With out the commas here they are simply describing all the qualities one individual must have in order to use the toilet. When the commas are properly inserted it becomes a list of different types of people who are allowed to use that toilet. I think the chances of finding some one who is a disabled elderly pregnant child is zero but hey that's just me.


This next meme is a sign from management to its customers attempting, and yes I say attempting, to let their customers know that they do not have certain items at this moment in time but will at a later date. Go ahead and try reading this...its a bit painful....

There is nothing else to really add to the discussion of that meme other than it is indeed an epic fail. There are some serious spelling errors, punctuation errors, and just placement of the wrong word all together such as the word used for pencil.

We all love fortune cookies, well at least I like to think so any way, but it would be nice if it was written in correct grammar. In this meme the incorrect tense was used. The correct form would be 'get built'

The next meme is a fail that incorporates most peoples' pet peeve; the right use of to, too, and two. I think I can say that we all know here that the correct form is 'too' not 'to'

This next meme is the wonderful misspelling of the plural of knife. The proper spelling for knife plural is knives. My question is tell me they aren't selling knives and beer at the same location because I'm not sure that is the best idea or the safest for that matter.

Okay, the last failure I am going to show you is regarding using "text talk" on advertising signs...

I understand this maybe if the sign did not have enough space to fit the whole word 'cheese' but from what I can see it would probably fit. Seeing this sign written like this actually bothers me. I chose to put this one last because I wasn't sure if everyone would agree this is a fail. To me it is since they chose to write cheese in a short hand style, but I am curious if you also think this is a fail or something that is acceptable. 

When did hash tags become part of our grammar and not just a symbol for number?

Okay, so I get that in the twitter world the '#' has become a thing. Thats fine I guess even though I may be one of the few people in that generation who has no clue why we use it as a grouping symbol. I really have no idea where the hashtag came from. I mean who sat there was like "oh hey I know! If I put a hashtag right before this category people will know what I'm talking about and it would just be a cool new trend!" I mean it though; who thought of this!? People will write the statement "bad day" and proceed with "#mylifesucks #collegeprobs #WTF" and so on. Why can't we write, "School is ruining my day with this surprise exam and everyone is like WTF professor?" People would read that and most likely be thinking that sucks and all those hashtag categories have been covered and we even know why your day is bad! It's a miracle! Also why does a category name have no spaces in between words? Please some one tell me, please. I can't even think of a reason why.

I think I'm getting of topic though. My main issue isn't the use of hashtag on twitter really, it's that I'm seeing it in ads on TV and well everywhere. There was a target commercial that used '#' and so many more that of course are escaping me at the moment. But how is our society supposed to grow grammatically if we use all our online 'speak' now in every day life communication. Yes the sad part is we know exactly what those symbols mean and get the point but does that make it okay? It can be argued that they are just trying to target the young generation and that is fine. However, to reach them do we need to knowingly write in improper grammar form to reach them and also further help them practice incorrect grammar? Let me know what you think. I would genuinely like to hear your thoughts.

Rules Project 2: Grammar Natzi Memes

Welcome back! Last time we started off with Pet Peeve Grammar Memes; looking into some of the things that really gets them going when we mess up our grammar. As you may remember we concluded that post saying that sometimes when they are forced to stare at these mistakes over and over again it can bring out their inner grammar Nazi.

Maybe they really just care because when they see things like this...

they just can't help but be concerned for our future. I know I saw this and had a quite a scare and I'm not even a grammar Nazi. They just have this need to correct us in hopes they can save your language skills from falling apart. It's a nice sentiment, but sometimes, when they just can't help themselves, they can go too far and go correcting random people. Let me show you what I mean.

This guy after he read back his friends response message was probably like...

Sadly I think his compulsion may have actually got him uninvited. 

Then we have some other wonderful examples such as:

Sometimes, just like this last meme, grammar Nazis can really freak out on you. Sometimes its like walking across a minefield; you never know which step you take is going to make everything blow up in your face. I would like to suggest to all you grammar Nazis out there that acting explosive will probably not help you in succeeding in your task. People can get defensive and respond with a counter strike!

I should have warned some of you grammar Nazis reading this about that meme, but it must have slipped my mind. I am sorry for any inconvenience it may have caused you or your day. I think it would be more appropriate for Grammar Nazis to have a sense of humor. If you put some humor into your rants people would at least remember them. If you can get them to remember the rants then they are probably more likely to remember your lesson as well. But pay no attention to me that is just a thought I had. However, in the case you want to know what I mean just look at this:

If you didn't catch the joke take another look. It's okay I'll wait.....okay I lied! They made up an actual grammar police character! What would your response be if you said "who are you the grammar police?" and then the grammar police actually commented? And the truth is, this pyramidhead13579 kid will never forget this. Seriously, how about trying some humor instead?

I guess a grammar Nazi's response would be...

I mean of course that would be edited to "haters are going to hate" but I think you all know what they mean!

In all honesty though grammar does matter and can be the difference between a job or no job at all. From the Pennington Publishing Blog is this blurb which is a fine example of how grammar can impact your future:

Grammar is an essential tool for success in school, work, and life. We are judged, sometimes quite severely, by the words we use and the way we use them in our speaking and writing. Our spoken and written words can betray us. They reflect our background, education, and ability to communicate. For example, many years ago, the principal walked into my room while my student teacher was delivering a lesson. After a few minutes, the principal signaled me to step outside.

“I will never hire that young man,” he said.

Shocked, I asked him why.

“On the board, he has a dangling modifier and he ended a sentence with a preposition.”

Sounds quite harsh, doesn’t it?  Not every educated adult attaches the same level of importance regarding the proper use of grammar as does that principal. However, many do. 

<http://penningtonpublishing.com/blog/grammar_mechanics/top-40-grammar-pet-peeves/>

This blurb really makes you think though as to how your grammar might effect your future, your career and just your life in general. Until next time!

Rules Project 1: Pet Peeve Memes

I did a blog on what seemed to be the most common pet peeves of grammar natzis and that got me thinking...grammar memes! I decided to take a look at grammar memes and talk about different categories with in all the grammar memes posted online, so I felt it most appropriate to start with Pet Peeve Grammar Memes! Enjoy!

So in case you didn't know what grammar is...

This is how most of our grammar natzis and grammar police feel. They just can't understand how we could have such poor grammar, so they have been ever so nice to assist us with pet peeve memes highlighting the ones you should really look out for. Let us take a look.

There are so many of these all over the Internet. Some could say they are raising awareness, others could say their pet peeve is seeing people meme about their pet peeves! However, how I see it is they truly wish that they could sell their pet peeves...

and not have to be so frustrated when they are out and about and see this:

Then we just can't blame them when our improper grammar makes them loose it.

After that happens, well we just can't get them back!

The Huffington post was also interested in what were the kinds of pet peeves that got people going so they did a poll open to people in which they voted on their most annoying grammar mess ups. Granted I know polls aren't always accurate because when it is a voluntary survey you do not always get a perfect varied sample but hey its a start into looking at what gets people going the most and was very helpful to me. If you want to check out the link here it is: 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/06/18/grammar-pet-peeves-huffpo_n_616532.html#s101965&title=YourYoure

Another really helpful site was through the Pennington Publishing blog that was nice enough to separate grammar pet peeves into different sections such as grammar pet peeves, vocabulary pet peeves, and pronunciation pet peeves and misuses. Feel free to check it; here are the links:

http://penningtonpublishing.com/blog/grammar_mechanics/top-40-grammar-pet-peeves/

http://penningtonpublishing.com/blog/reading/top-40-pronunciation-pet-peeves/

http://penningtonpublishing.com/blog/reading/top-40-vocabulary-pet-peeves/