affect
verbto change or influence someone or something
Affect = Action. It does the changing.
Affect vs effect
They sound almost the same, but they do different jobs in a sentence. Ask: is it the action, or the result?
2 wordsaudio · quiz
Quick answer
Affect is usually a verb: it changes something. Effect is usually a noun: it is the result.
effect
nounthe result of a change or an action
Effect = End result. It is what you get.
The difference at a glance
| Word | Type | Means | Example | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| affect | verb | to change or influence someone or something | Lack of sleep can affect your memory. | |
| effect | noun | the result of a change or an action | The new rule had a big effect on prices. |
See each one in a sentence
verb
affect
Examples
Lack of sleep can affect your memory.
The delay didn't affect our plans.
Common mistake
Not: The weather effected my mood.
Say: The weather affected my mood.
When one thing changes another, use the verb affect.
noun
effect
Examples
The new rule had a big effect on prices.
The medicine has few side effects.
Common mistake
Not: The new rule had a big affect on prices.
Say: The new rule had a big effect on prices.
After a, the or big, you need a noun: effect.
Pick the right word
Fill the gap
Read the sentence, then choose the word that fits.
Now use them yourself
Write or say two sentences, one with each word, in a real conversation.