Affect or Effect?
Posted by: Josef EssbergerThese two words are often confused. They both have several meanings, but today we will look at their basic meaning of change. Affect is a verb, basically meaning: cause to change; make a difference to The cold weather affected my health. If you don’t study it will affect your exam results badly. How you dress […]
These two words are often confused. They both have several meanings, but today we will look at their basic meaning of change.
Affect is a verb, basically meaning: cause to change; make a difference to
- The cold weather affected my health.
- If you don’t study it will affect your exam results badly.
- How you dress affects the way people think of you.
Effect is a noun, meaning: a change that is the result of something else
- The cold weather had an effect on my health.
- Hard drugs can have deadly effects.
- Her love letters had no effect on him.
As mentioned above, both words can have other meanings as well, and effect can also be a verb (with a different meaning). Just remember that in the sense of “change” as shown above the noun is effect and the verb is affect.
Posted by Josef Essberger December 2007
Contributor: Josef Essberger, founder of EnglishClub. Originally from London, England, Josef is the author of several books for learners of English including English Prepositions List and Learn English in 7.
One comment
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hana says:
thanks alot for this information since I always get confused between these 2 words.