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I am curious whether the following use of the word "affect" is legitimate:

I feel this is the best way I can affect positive change in this country.

I am trying to avoid using "enact change" because "enact" gives me a connotation of actually getting something done. (If I enact legislation, I have put it into effect.) Is this legitimate?

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    It sounds slightly formal to me, but it is used correctly and sounds natural in this sentence. – Michael Dorgan Jun 3 '20 at 1:38
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    No. It's wrong! The word is effect: "Cause (something) to happen; bring about." lexico.com/definition/effect – Old Brixtonian Jun 3 '20 at 2:47
  • If you are trying to avoid that connotation perhaps you should say, "...this is the best way I can contribute to bringing about positive change..." – Old Brixtonian Jun 3 '20 at 2:55
  • As per a previous comment, it needs to be effect, not affect. That aside, if the connotation is not getting something done (making a change), then what is it? – Jason Bassford Jun 3 '20 at 3:12
  • @JasonBassford I don't understand your question. – jeremy909 Jun 3 '20 at 5:11

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