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 :
- AFFECT :
Affect is most often used as a verb meaning ‘to have an impact’, ‘to change’ or ‘to alter’.- Nutrition affects our health.
- 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 medication will not have an immediate effect.
- Music often has a soothing effect on people.
Effect can also be used as a verb meaning ‘to bring about’, ‘to make something happen’
or ‘to put into operation’. 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.
Effects [plural] can also mean ‘personal property or possessions’.
- 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.
