Welcome to another installment of CM Punk’s Grammar Slam, in which wrestling superstar CM Punk corrects your awful grammar.

Sadly, today’s episode is the final one of this season, and it’s affecting us in a profound way. Speaking of “affect,” that word is actually the focus of today’s episode, as Punk explains the difference between similar-sounding words “affect” and “effect.”

The difference is simple, despite James J.’s lack of understanding: “affect” is a verb, “effect” is a noun. You can’t effect somebody the same way you can’t cookie somebody, because both of those words are nouns and those phrases just don’t make sense. Meanwhile, verbs are what you do, so you can totally affect somebody.

Maybe this example sentence will clear it up: “The special effect had a strong affect.” A “special effect” is a noun, and since “affect” is an entirely different word, it must be the verb.

Even though this season of Grammar Slam has come to a close, we’re actually doing OK, and not just because our editors are tired of having glass bottles smashed over their heads: 2016 is set to be the year of Punk. It was just announced that our host is set to make his MMA fighting debut next year, but who will his opponent be? Apparently, it’s going to take a reality show to find out. Advice to his trainer: to get Punk fired up before the fight, just say “irregardless” and his unbridled rage should ensure an overwhelming victory.

Good luck in the octagon, Punk, and thanks for the important work you’ve done this season on Grammar Slam!

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