Affect or Effect

This explanation is all about the correct usage and spelling of the words effect and affect. Their usage has been stumping even native English speakers for years! So what is the correct meaning and how can you best remember when to use affect over effect? Read on to find out more!

Affect or effect: meaning

At first glance, these two words may appear to be identical twins so it may seem easy to mistake them. However, it's not that difficult when you remember these words' meanings and also what kind of word class they are used as.

Defining effect

Effect is generally used as a noun it usually refers to a result or an outcome that is caused by an action or other cause. Think of it as the aftermath or the consequence of a situation.

For example:

• The effect of the heat wave was devastating.
• The effect of the medication was immediate.
• The new law had a surprising effect on the economy.
• He underestimated the effect of his words on the audience.
• The long-term effects of the policy change are still unknown.

Defining affect

Affect, on the other hand, is usually used as a verb. It refers to influencing or making an impact on something.

For example:

• The weather can affect your mood.
• Your diet can affect your health in various ways.
• The teacher's encouragement positively affected the student's confidence.
• The recent changes in tax policy will affect many small businesses.
• The sudden loss deeply affected her.

Affect or effect: noun vs verb

A quick way to remember how to use affect or effect is by focusing on their most common roles. Effect is generally a noun, and affect is usually a verb. However, there's a spanner in the works. The English language loves to provide exceptions to every rule.

Both effect and affect can swap roles at times, with effect acting as a verb and affect as a noun. Take a look at some examples below:

Effect as a verb

When effect is used as a verb, it means to bring about or to cause something to happen.

For instance:

• The government effected a new policy.
• The organization is trying to effect a shift in public opinion about the issue.
• Our goal is to effect a reduction in the amount of waste produced by our company.
• The principal was able to effect a new dress code policy at the school.
• By working together, we can effect a real difference in our community.

Affect as a noun

Affect as a noun is usually used in the field of psychology, referring to an individual's mood or emotions.

For example:

• His flat affect was a result of the medication.
• The patient displayed a cheerful affect despite the seriousness of his condition.
• Despite the good news, her affect remained unchanged.
• His affect after the traumatic event was noticeably blunted.
• The psychiatrist noted a shift in the patient's affect during the therapy session.

Affect or effect synonyms

Here are some synonyms for the word affect.

Here are some synonyms for the word effect.

Affect or effect: common mistakes in sentences

Here are some pitfalls in the use of affect and effect and how to sidestep them.

Spelling Errors: Effect or Affect?

A prevalent mistake is simply using the wrong word due to their similar spelling. To steer clear of this, remember that affect with A for Action is usually a verb, while effect with E for End result is commonly a noun.

Contextual Mistakes: Misusing Effect and Affect

Sometimes people can misuse these words in a sentence. The key to avoiding this blunder is understanding the context and the role of the word. Ask yourself, is it indicating a result (effect) or an influence (affect)?

Affect or effect: examples of the differences

Take a look at the table below for summarised examples of the differences between affect and effect.