Grammar question

[luvflorida]

Which is correct-

We want to help balance decisions that AFFECT her schooling now...
or
We want to help balance decisions that EFFECT her schooling now...

I say the first one is correct.

I think you could also say- We want to help balance decisions that may have an effect on her schooling...

Yes or no? Thanks!

 

[noodleknitter]

You win!

 

[CheshireVal]

You're right.

Affect is always the verb.

Effect is the noun.

 

[KelNottAt]

Yes, the first version is correct.

 

[olena]

Affect is right in that case.

Effect can be a verb meaning to bring about or make something happen....i.e...The new machines finally effected the transition to computerized accounting last spring.

Source: Dictionary.com (I had to verify for my own sanity, since I'm a grammar nerd.)

 

[Barb D]

How about,
"We want to help make balanced decisions, which will affect her education both now and in the future."

 

[luvflorida]

How about,
"We want to help make balanced decisions, which will affect her education both now and in the future."

Actually, the complete sentence was-
We're trying to help her make balanced decisions that affect her schooling now, and ones that will affect her college decisions in the future.

I like yours better. It's more succinct! Now that I look at it, perhaps it should have said "with ones" instead of "and ones"?

It was only an email, but these things drive me crazy!