affect
1VIDEO FOR AFFECT
How To Use "Affect" vs. "Effect"
Effect and affect: can you keep these two words straight? We can't either which is why we are giving you some examples to learn the difference between the two!
Origin of affect
1words often confused with affect
OTHER WORDS FROM affect
af·fect·a·ble, adjectiveaf·fect·a·bil·i·ty, nounWORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH affect
affect , effect (see confusables note at the current entry)Words nearby affect
Other definitions for affect (2 of 2)
Origin of affect
2synonym study for affect
words often confused with affect
OTHER WORDS FROM affect
af·fect·er, nounAFFECT VS. EFFECT
What's the difference between affect and effect?
Affect is most commonly used as a verb meaning to act on or produce a change in someone or something. Effect is most commonly used as a noun meaning a result or consequence.
Remembering the difference between the words can be especially hard because these senses of the words have just about the same pronunciation. Complicating things further is the fact that affect can also be used as a noun (referring to a state of emotion, as in He had a sad affect) and effect can also be used as a verb (meaning to make happen, as in We can only effect change by taking action). However, these senses of the words are much less commonly used.
You can remember that affect is most commonly used as a verb because it begins with a, for action.
You can also remember how affect and effect are most commonly used by using the acronym RAVEN:
R = Remember
A = Affect is a
V = Verb
E = Effect is a
N = Noun
Here’s an example of affect and effect used correctly in the same sentence.
Example: It’s unclear what immediate effects the new law will have or how it will affect future generations.
Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between affect and effect.
Quiz yourself on affect vs. effect!
Should affect or effect be used in the following sentence?
The campaign is hoping that the ads have a big _____ on voter turnout.