Affect or Effect?
The Difference between "Affect" and "Effect"
The words "affect" and "effect" are often confused by writers. The confusion is understandable because they sound similar and their meanings are related (e.g., to affect something creates an effect).The Quick Answer
Affect
(verb) "to change" or "to have an impact on"- Their decisions affect your life. (Their decisions have an impact on your life.)
Effect
(noun) "a result"- This is the effect I wanted. (This is the result I wanted.)
Using "Affect"
What Does "Affect" Mean?
In basic terms, "affect" means "to change," but that is too simplistic. It can also mean "to have an impact on" or "to transform.". Here are some examples:- Do not use low-fat milk. It will affect the taste. (It will change the taste.)
- Did the cold affect you? (Did the cold have an impact on you?)
- Mark's experiences in Africa affected his outlook on life. (Mark's experiences in Africa transformed his outlook on life.)
- I want to affect the vote. (This means "I want to change the vote.")
Using "Effect"
What Does "Effect" Mean?
In basic terms, "effect" means "a result," but that is also too simplistic. It can also mean "result," "outcome," "consequence," or "appearance." Here are some examples:- Your lectures had an immediate positive effect. (Here, "effect" means result.)
- The effect of your work is apparent. ("Effect" means outcome.)
- Did the reprimand have any effect? ("Effect" means consequence.)
- You must be pleased with the effect you've created. ("Effect" means appearance.)
- I want to create an effect the world will remember. (This means "I want to create a result the world will remember.")
Confirmatory Test on Affect and Effect
It's your go. Select the correct one:Quick Test on Affect and Effect
It's your go again. Select the correct one: Get it? Here is a quick test to help you practise this tip:A Trick To Spot "Effect" and "Affect"
Try the Substitution Trick
If the noun "consequence" works in your sentence, use the noun "effect" ("effects" for plural).Let's try some examples:
Example 1:
- What effect/affect did the drought have on your business?
- What consequence did the drought have on your business? (This sounds okay, so "effect" is correct.)
- What effect did the drought have on your business?
Example 2:
- Did the drought effect/affect your business?
- Did the drought consequence your business? (This sounds wrong, so "effect" is wrong.)
- Did the drought affect your business?
Example 3:
- This incident is effecting/affecting your decision.
- This incident is consequence your decision. (This sounds wrong, so "effect" is wrong.)
- This incident is affecting your decision. (Once you know "effect" is wrong, you must then use the correct version of "affect." In this case, "affecting."
It's Not That Simple Unfortunately
Most of this page is dedicated to telling you that "effect" is a noun and "affect" is a verb. That is an appropriate starting point for learning about the difference between "effect" and "affect," but unfortunately it is not always true. Be aware that "effect" can be a verb, and "affect" can be a noun.The Verb "To Effect"
"To effect" as a verb is fairly rare, but it is useful in business writing. It means "to bring into being." For example:- We will effect the new law on Monday.
- The new policy will be effected as soon as the paper is signed.
The Noun "Affect"
The noun "affect" is extremely rare. It is used in psychology to describe a subjective feeling caused by a thought or other stimulus. It is similar to mood or emotion and carries a connotation of there being external physical signs. For example:- The patient displayed an unusual affect when questioned.
A Video Summary
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