affect VS effect

Dear xamoyela,
I'm having a hard time understanding the difference in the words 'affect' and 'effect'. Is there a difference?

Thanks!
Sam


Hi Sam!

These two word are very commonly confused! Even native speakers make mistakes when using them, which is why many believe that 'affect' is a verb and 'effect' is a noun. They are both verbs AND nouns!

Affect means "to influence" or "to produce an effect in." (See how 'effect' here is a noun?)

Effect means "consequence" or "that which is produced by (sth)." 

e.g.

The new law has affected us all.

The effect of the new law has made us all reconsider many things.

I do suppose you could use each differently (affect as a verb and effect as a noun) so it is easier to keep separate, but in the end, it shouldn't confuse you if you should see them used otherwise.

e.g.

The affect of the speech was shown in the way the audience reacted.

The new Director of Studies is bound to effect changes in the curriculum.

In the first case, affect means an observed or expressed response and in the second case, effect means to carry out.

I hope I've clarified the differences a little bit for you.

:)

A @ xamoyela