English Grammar
AFFECT vs EFFECT
The difference between 'affect' and 'effect'.
Many people are confused about the difference between affect and effect.
Before going any further, remember that “affect” is almost always a verb, whereas “effect” is more commonly used as a noun.
Affect and effect are used as follows :
In most everyday contexts it is safe to remember that 'to affect' = 'to have an effect on'.
Affect is related to action whereas effect is related to consequence or result.
Before going any further, remember that “affect” is almost always a verb, whereas “effect” is more commonly used as a noun.
Affect and effect are used as follows :
- AFFECT :
Affect is most often used as a verb meaning ‘to have an impact’, ‘to change’ or 'to alter'.
- Nutrition affects our health.
- The problem with the export of cereals is affecting many countries.
- His attitude affected the atmosphere in the office.
- Severe flooding affected many regions.
- The snow storm affected air traffic.
- Public protests did not affect the government's decision.
- Thousands of people will be affected by the proposed changes.
- Living in such a dark place affected his eyesight.
Affect also has another, less-used, meaning: ‘to put on a false show of’ or 'to pretend':
- She affected indifference although she was very upset.
(= she pretended that she did not care)
- EFFECT :
Effect is most often used as a noun meaning ‘a result’, ‘a consequence’ or ‘an influence’.
The expression ‘have an effect on’ is often used.
- His words produced the desired effect.
- Her warning had no effect on the children.
- The effect on the economy was disastrous.
- The arrival of the puppy had a happy effect on my father.
- The medication will not have an immediate effect.
- The restrictions have had little effect on their determination.
- The President's intervention had a great effect on the morale of the troops.
- Music often has a soothing effect on people.
The use of effect as a verb is usually found in formal contexts.- The firm effected the transition to computerised accounting last month.
- The bank was requested to effect the transfer of funds immediately.
- Personal effects should be packed separately.
In most everyday contexts it is safe to remember that 'to affect' = 'to have an effect on'.
Affect is related to action whereas effect is related to consequence or result.