What is the difference between affect and effect?
Affect and effect are two English words with very similar meanings, and very similar pronunciations. Though not actually homophones, the sound of the words is similar enough to cause most people confusion. Even some people who use them quite often will find themselves stumped, and have to pause to think about which word is appropriate to use. The word affect is primarily used as a verb in English. It has two main meanings, which are closely related. Affect may mean to alter the feelings of, or to change the mental state of someone or something. It may also mean, in a broader sense, to change or affect someone or something in any way. So it is that we might say: How will the election affect the course of history? We might also say: The painting affected him so deeply he could not speak. The word effect, in contrast, is used primarily as a noun in English. It has a number of related meanings, but generally speaking refers to the result of something, the power something might have to get
1. If you are talking about a result, then use the word “effect.” Example: What effect did the loss have on the team? 2. It is appropriate to use the word “effect” if one of these words is used immediately before the word: into, no, take, the, any, an, or and. Example: The prescribed medication had no effect on the patient’s symptoms. Example: In analyzing a situation, it is important to take the concepts of cause and effect into consideration. 3. If you want to describe something that was caused or brought about, the right word to use is effect. Example: The new manager effected some positive changes in the office. (This means that the new manager caused some positive changes to take place in the office.) 4. Affect can be used as a noun to describe facial expression. Example: The young man with schizophrenia had a flat affect. Example: The woman took the news of her husband’s sudden death with little affect. 5. Affect can also be used as a verb. Use it when trying to describe influenc
Affect is a verb, meaning to have an influence on something. “The fire in the restaurant will not affect me.” “The bee-sting affected me badly.” Effect is a noun, meaning the impact on something. “The effect of the crisis was worse than we expected.” “One effect of the storm was the thinking of three ships.” “The new laws will be put into effect in January.” But effect can sometimes be used as a verb, when it’s used to convey the meaning that someone is going to bring about change.”We will effect some major changes very soon.” “The government has decided to effect this immediately.
