Affect or Effect?

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 […]

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.

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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.

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