Topical Guide

                The topical guide is a very helpful tool.  As I tried opening the book to the first page of this guide, I stumbled across one of my nemesis: affect vs. effect. I learned that the word affect is “almost always a verb that means “to influence” or “to pretend to have.”  On the other side, effect is “almost always a noun that means “result” or “impact.” Let me provide some examples.

The effect of global warming will affect all of humanity.

The word effect is the subject and that subject will affect humanity.

                Another pain point of grammar for me would be “aid/aide.”  The other day, I had been writing the school wondering what the status of my financial aid was. After reading this section of the guide, I went back to the email. Sure enough, in the subject line were the words, “Financial Aide.” I thought after rereading this, if the person reading it questioned my ability as a student. The guide breaks it down nicely stating that, “Aides (assistants”) give aid (“help, assistance”) to their bosses.”

                Another rule that caught my eye was “altar/alter.” Now, I’ve never had a problem with this rule but I’d like to share why.  When I was a kid, I played a video game call “Altered Beast.” The protagonist could morph or “alter” into a werewolf. That said, “alter” means “to change or modify.” The word “altar,” on the other hand, means “a table-like structure used in religious ceremonies.” I think some people would be surprised how helpful video games can be.