effects

Everyday

1. Changes or results that happen because of something. tree →
2. Special sounds, lights or pictures in films, plays and games («special effects»). tree →
3. (formal) A person's belongings. tree →

In the lessons

In science, children look at cause and effect: heat has effects on ice, exercise has effects on the heart rate, pollution has effects on animals. In health lessons, medicines can have side effects. In stories, the effects of a choice drive the plot. Phrases: «cause and effect», «side effects», «special effects», «have an effect on», «sound effects».

Examples

• What are the effects of exercise on your heart? tree →
• The storm's effects could be seen all over town. tree →
• This medicine may have side effects, like feeling sleepy. tree →
• The film had amazing special effects. tree →
• We tested the effects of salt on ice. tree →
• Too much screen time can have bad effects on sleep. tree →
• We added sound effects to our class play. tree →
• Cause and effect: the rain fell, so the river rose. tree →
• It is not natural that the same ointment should have two such exactly opposite effects." tree →

Note

Big trap: «effect» is usually a noun (a result), «affect» is usually a verb (to change something). «The sun affects plants. The effects of the sun are clear.» Effects are results; causes come before them.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: The Sefer Yetzirah's readers see the world as a series of results flowing from God, the first cause. In this view the "paths" are the stages of that flow. In the primary lessons: In science, children look at cause and effect: heat has effects on ice, exercise has effects on the heart rate, pollution has effects on animals. In health lessons, medicines can have side effects. In stories, the effects of a choice drive the plot. Phrases: «cause and effect», «side effects», «special effects», «have an effect on», «sound effects».

Examples

• 3) Paths denote powers, effects, kinds, forms, degrees or stages. (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →
• 1) Our author maintains that there is a first intelligent, self-existing, almighty, eternal ruling cause of all things, and that an everlasting entity produced nonentities by a progression of effects. (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →

Note

Big trap: «effect» is usually a noun (a result), «affect» is usually a verb (to change something). «The sun affects plants. The effects of the sun are clear.» Effects are results; causes come before them.