The role of "did"

Question

Would it be grammatically wrong to leave out "did"?
"People such as King Mino, whether good or evil, just or cruel, were ephemeral and did not affect Dino's world as much as did deeper and more abiding goodness and badness …"

Thanks in advance

Nikoo

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

If you omit 'did', the reader might think that 'people' failed to effect either 'Dinos' world' or 'goodness and badness'.

Nikoo · Answer

Mister MicawberIf you omit 'did', the reader might think that 'people' failed to effect either 'Dinos' world' or 'goodness and badness'.

Oh I see.
Thank you for your reply.
You used the word "effect" as a verb.
I was warned not to do this.
Could you please explain?

Thanks again

Mister Micawber · Answer

Typing mistake.  I make a lot of them as the evening wears on and my wine bottle empties.

Nikoo · Answer

Mister MicawberTyping mistake. I make a lot of them as the evening wears on and my wine bottle empties.

I make lots of them even in the freshness of the early morning.

Mister Micawber · Answer

However, in other situations, 'effect' is a perfectly good verb. It means 'accomplish'. From the American Heritage Dictionary:

Usage Note:

Affect and effect have no senses in common. As a verb affect is most commonly used in the sense of "to influence" (how smoking affects health).Effect means "to bring about or execute": layoffs designed to effect savings. Thus the sentence These measures may affect savings could imply that the measures may reduce savings that have already been realized, whereas These measures may effect savings implies that the measures will cause new savings to come about.

Nikoo · Answer

Thank you so much for your thorough explanation Mister Micawber

The role of "did"

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