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Affect or Effect?
The Difference between "Affect" and "Effect"
The words "affect" and "effect" are easily confused. The confusion is understandable because they sound similar and their meanings are related (e.g., to affect something creates an effect). Here is the quick answer:- "Affect" means to change. ("Affect" is a verb. Other versions of "affect" are "affects," "affected," and "affecting.")
- "Effect" means a result. ("Effect" is a noun. The only other version is "effects.")
Quick Test on Affect and Effect
It's your go. Select the correct one:
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.
- Did the cold affect you?
- Mark's experiences in Africa affected his outlook on life.
- I want to affect 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.
- The effect of your work is apparent.
- Did the reprimand have any effect?
- You must be pleased with the effect you've created.
- I want to create an effect the world will remember.
Confirmatory Test on Affect and Effect
It's your go again. Select the correct one:A Trick To Spot "Effect" and "Affect"

This trick works because "consequence" is a noun, just like "effect." There is no verb version of "consequence." In other words, you cannot say "they consequence," "he consequenced," "she consequences," or "we are consequencing."
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?
- What effect did the drought have on your business?
Example 2:
- Did the drought effect/affect your business?
- Did the drought consequence your business?
- Did the drought affect your business?
Example 3:
- This incident is effecting/affecting your decision.
- This incident is consequence your decision.
- This incident is affecting your decision.
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.
Ready for the Test?
A Video Summary
Here is a short video summarizing the difference between "affect" and "effect."Help Us Improve Grammar Monster
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