Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference

Years old vs Year-old

A common mistake associated with the words 'years old' and 'year-old' is confusing the two. It is important to remember that 'years old' should be used to express the exact age of a person, animal, or object, and 'year-old' should be used to describe the approximate age of an individual or item.

Years old

Meaning:

Non-hyphenated 'years old' is a phrase that refers to someone who is of certain age.

Examples:

1. She just turned nine years old.

2. The house is over one hundred years old.

3. He's been retired for thirty years old.

  

Year-old

Meaning:

Hyphenetad 'year-old' is an adjective that describes an age of a certain person or thing.

Examples:

1. My daughter is a sweet 6-year-old who loves to play with dolls.

2. We just bought a new 10-year-old car that runs smoothly.

3. I can't believe my baby brother is already a 2-year-old.

Affect vs Effect

Affect is usually a verb meaning "to produce an effect upon," as in "the weather affected his mood." Effect is usually a noun meaning "a change that results when something is done or happens," as in "computers have had a huge effect on our lives."

Affect

Meaning:

Affect is a verb meaning to influence or produce an effect on something.

Examples:

1. His rude behavior had a negative affect on everyone in the room.

2. The increasing popularity of the show has had an affect on merchandise sales.

3. Her personality had a profound affect on all of those who knew her.

Effect

Meaning:

Effect is a noun that refers to a change that results from an action or cause, an influence, or a result.

Examples:

1. The effect of the new policy was immediate.

2. The drug had an unexpected effect on his health.

3. The noise had a calming effect on her.