affect_effect Grammar Nazi are not interchangable. The difference is a little too fiddly and subtle to sum up in a couple of goofy definitions and a pithy sentence. affect - (n) an unusual trait or mannerism, often false or put on (Larry_the_Cable_Guy 's southern drawl is largely an affect for comic value) affect - (v) to cause or be caused to change (My headaches affect my performance) effect - (n) to cause or be caused to change (My headaches have an effect on my performance) effect - (v) to institute a change, to cause to come into being (Congress will effect this change immediately) The noun and verb forms of effect and affect, respectively, mean almost the same thing, but are different parts of speech. Remember, an effect affects you. Thought you might like to know. 070704 what's it to you? who go blather from