Easily confused words in English Why the Butterfly Effect is not the Butterfly Affect

Easily confused words in English Why the Butterfly Effect is not the Butterfly Affect You have probably heard of the book and movie The Butterfly Effect, but do you know why it is not called The Butterfly Affect? These words sound the same, and are often confused by people learning English, and even by plenty of people who are native English speakers. EffectThe word effect is generally used as a noun in English. It refers toa result brought about by a causean impression of somethinga phenomenon, wither real or illusorymeaning or senseHere are some examples of its usage:The effect of the flooding on the house was clearly visible. The soothing music had a powerful effect on the child and lulled him to sleep. She put flowers on the table to create a homely effect. The pill had an immediate effect on my headache.Occasionally, effect is used as a verb. In this case it is used to evoke a change that has been brought about.Here is an example:Our school director changed the rules in order to effect a change on how we behaved ourselves.AffectAffect on the other hand, is normal ly used as a verb in English. It means to: change someone’s state emotionally or psychologically influence someone or something assume a behavior attack or infectHere are some examples of how it is used.Polio can affect sufferers’ legs and reduce their ability to walk. He can really affect an English accent although he is not French. The current economic crisis affects all our salaries. The high rainfall levels will affect tourism this year.Learning the difference between affect and effect through musicNow, we will listen to two songs one of which uses effect and the other affect. See if you can figure out which one.[Rihanna:]?Thats how much I love you?Thats how much I need you?And I cant stand you?Must everything you do make me wanna smile?Can I not like you for awhile? (No.)??[Ne-Yo:]?But you wont let me?You upset me girl?And then you kiss my lips?All of a sudden I forget (that I was upset)?Cant remember what you did??[Rihanna:]?But I hate it?You know exactly what to do?So tha t I cant stay mad at you?For too long thats wrong??[Ne-Yo:]?But I hate it?You know exactly how to touch?So that I dont want to fuss.. and fight no more?Said I despise that I adore you??[Rihanna:]?And I hate how much I love you boy (yeah)?I cant stand how much I need you (I need you)?And I hate how much I love you boy (oh whoa..)?But I just cant let you go?And I hate that I love you so (oh..)??[Ne-Yo:]?You completely know the power that you have?The only one makes me laugh??[Rihanna:]?Said its not fair?How you take advantage of the fact?That I love you beyond the reason why?And it just aint right??[Ne-Yo:]?And I hate how much I love you girl?I cant stand how much I need you (yeah..)?And I hate how much I love you girl?But I just cant let you go?But I hate that I love you so??[Both:]?One of these days maybe your magic wont ______me?And your kiss wont make me weak?But no one in this world knows me the way you know me?So youll probably always have a spell on me Now, here is the second o ne:Every morning the last couple of weeks In between shaving and brushing my teeth Id lean on the sink and practice my lines By now you would think theyd be memorizedBut leave it to me to come all this way Get down on one knee and forget what to say Im at a loss should have known this is how it would be Cause you have that _____ on meI must admit I still dont understand Why I lose my head holding your hand Theres no explanation no simple excuse For this intoxication I feel around youAnd now truth be known since Ive met you girl Ive been walkin around in my own little world One look in my eyes and darlin any fool could see That you have that _____ on meYouve had your eyes on a two carat ring I finally went out and I bought it Right now its at home sittin on my TV Would you believe I forgot itBut you cant blame me cause its plain to see That you have that ______ on me Yeah you have that _____ on me Girl you have that ______ on meExercisesNow, let’s see how what you’ve learned. Her e are some final exercisesThat car accident has had a profound _______ on his confidence while driving. Did you notice the ______ of the white curtains against the orange walls? Will the rise in prices ______ your holiday plans this year? I know she spent a year in Australia but that accent seems really _______ Do you think Paul will _________ a change in the company?Got questions? Email us or ask them in comments below. Sign up for our English classes. Inscribéte para nuestros cursos de inglés. If you found this lesson helpful, feel free to share it on Facebook and Twitter.