'Affect' vs. 'Effect'
How to pick the right one
What to KnowAffect is usually a verb meaning "to produce an effect upon," as in "the weather affected his mood." Effect is usually a noun meaning "a change that results when something is done or happens," as in "computers have had a huge effect on our lives." There are exceptionsbut if you think of affect as a verb and effect as a nounyou’ll be right most of the time.
Affect and effect are two of the most commonly confused words in Englishbut don’t worry—we’ll help you keep them straight.
The basic difference is this: affect is usually a verband effect is usually a noun.
‘Affect’ as a Verb
Affectwhen used as a verbmeans "to act on or change someone or something."
the drought affected plant growth
construction will affect traffic in the area
trying not to let emotions affect their decision
Affect also has a sense meaning “to put on a false appearance of (something).”
he affected a French accent
’Effect’ as a Noun
As a nounan effect is "a change that results when something is done or happens," or "a particular feeling or mood created by something."
the second cup of coffee had no effect
he added a scarf to the outfit for effect
the law goes into effect next week
A Few Rare Exceptions
There arehowevera few relatively uncommon exceptionsand these are worth knowing about.
Effect can be a verb. As a verbeffect generally means "to cause to come into being" or "accomplish."
the strike effected change within the company
Affect can be a noun. Although its use is primarily found in psychologythe noun affect refers to an observable emotional response.
his affect did not change after hearing the news
But exceptions asidejust stick to the basics: if you think of affect as the verb and effect as the nounmost of the time you’ll be using the word you want.
