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Question

Directions : In the following questions a particular word is provided. Four sentences have been framed, one of which makes use of the word correctly. You are required to select the correct option and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

‘Affect’ 

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2022 English Previous Year Paper (10-April-2022)
The correct answer is

The changed circumstances seemed to visibly affect her.  

Understanding the Correct Usage of 'Affect'

The question asks us to identify the sentence that correctly uses the word 'Affect'. The words 'affect' and 'effect' are commonly confused because they sound similar and are related in meaning, but they function differently in a sentence.

Generally, 'affect' is used as a verb meaning "to influence" or "to have an impact on". 'Effect' is most commonly used as a noun meaning "the result" or "the consequence" of an action or cause.

Let's examine each sentence provided:

  • Option 1: "The new diet did not seem to have any affect on her health."
    In this sentence, 'affect' is used where a noun is needed (following "any"). The sentence refers to the impact or result of the diet on her health. The correct word to use here is 'effect'. The sentence should read: "The new diet did not seem to have any effect on her health." Therefore, this sentence uses 'affect' incorrectly.
  • Option 2: "For the new scheme to take affect, certain conditions have to be met."
    The phrase "take affect" is incorrect. The standard phrase is "take effect," which means "to become active or operative" or "to come into force." 'Effect' is used here as a noun within this idiomatic phrase. The sentence should read: "For the new scheme to take effect, certain conditions have to be met." Thus, this sentence uses 'affect' incorrectly.
  • Option 3: "In affect, we are back to where we were before."
    The phrase "in affect" is incorrect in this context. The correct phrase is "in effect," which means "in reality," "essentially," or "practically." 'Effect' is used here as a noun within this idiomatic phrase. The sentence should read: "In effect, we are back to where we were before." Therefore, this sentence uses 'affect' incorrectly.
  • Option 4: "The changed circumstances seemed to visibly affect her."
    In this sentence, 'affect' is used as a verb meaning "to influence" or "to have an impact on her." The changed circumstances had an influence on her, which was visible. This is a correct usage of 'affect' as a verb.

Based on the analysis, only the fourth sentence uses the word 'affect' correctly as a verb meaning to influence.

Revision Table: Affect vs. Effect

Word Common Function Meaning Example
Affect Verb To influence, to impact The rain will affect the crops.
Effect Noun Result, consequence The rain had a positive effect on the crops.

Additional Information on Affect and Effect

While the most common distinction is 'affect' (verb) and 'effect' (noun), it's worth noting less common uses:

  • 'Affect' can be used as a noun in psychology to refer to a person's outward display of emotions. For example, "He displayed a flat affect."
  • 'Effect' can be used as a verb meaning "to bring about" or "to accomplish." For example, "The team managed to effect the necessary changes."

However, for typical grammar questions like this one, focusing on 'affect' as a verb (to influence) and 'effect' as a noun (result) covers the most frequent and tested usages.

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Important Questions from Correct Usage of Word

  1. Directions: Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) that express(es) the meaning of the word.

    INTEREST

    A. She must be allowed to grieve and interest in her own way.

    B. He urged further interest rate cuts in a bid to kick-start the economy.

    C. It might interest you to learn that I've changed my opinion on that matter.

  2. Directions: Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) that express(es) the meaning of the word.

    REVISED

    A. The college has revised its plans because of local objections.

    B. The revised proposal will be presented to the board for discussion at Tuesday's meeting.

    C. The judge was revised in the newspapers for his opinions on rape.

  3. Directions: Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) that express(es) the meaning of the word.

    DEFY

    A. The brave young woman decided to defy the rules and pursue her dreams.

    B. His actions openly defied the authority of the government.

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  4. Directions: Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) that express(es) the meaning of the word.

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    A. She carefully held the handle of the door.

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    C. He couldn't handle the pressure and decided to quit.

  5. Select the option in which the usage of the given word is INCORRECT or INAPPROPRIATE.

    EXPECT

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