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Ever been puzzled about using "effect" vs "affect"?
You're not alone! Let's make it simple. We're here to help you understand the basic difference between these two words so you can use them correctly every time.
Understanding "Effect"
"Effect" is what happens because of something.
Example: Eating too much candy can have the effect of making your tummy ache. (effect = tummy ache)
Just like a button turns on a light, actions have effects (flip the switch, effect = light turns on/off). It's cause and effect, simple as that!
Grasping "Affect"
"Affect" is how something influences or changes something else.
Example: Rain can affect your plans for a picnic. You might need to stay indoors.
What changes if there is rain? How is the plan affected?
"Affect" helps us understand what changes or how something is influenced when an external factor, like rain, happens.
Photo by Nijwam Swargiary on UnsplashImagine you drop a pebble in water — the ripples spreading are like how one thing can affect many others. How does the pebble dropping change things? It creates ripples.
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Effect vs Affect: Spotting the Difference
"Effect" is what happens.
"Affect" is how it happens.
Example: The loud music had the effect (what?) of making everyone dance.
Loud music can affect your party (how?) by making people want to get up and boogie
Effect vs Affect: Common Mistakes
Mix-up alert! People often use "effect" when they mean "affect" and vice versa.
Example: The news about the surprise party affected ✅ (not effected ⛔) her deeply.
Quiz
Select the correct sentences below:
Remember, effect is the result of something, affect is the action. Three sentences are correct. In the sentence, "Low scores will effect your final score," affect should be used instead because the low score will ACT on your final score. It's the action in this sentence.
Grammar and Word Forms
"Effect" is usually a noun, representing a result.
"Affect" is typically a verb, indicating the action of influencing or changing something.
Example: You might say, "The new law had a positive effect (noun) on crime."
OR The weather can affect (verb) our plans."
Use RAVEN to:
Remember
Affect (is a)
Verb
Effect (is a)
Noun
image created by the author via Canva
Take Action
Remember that the key to learning any language is using the language you've learned as much as possible through multiple input forms: hear it, say it, speak it, write it, and you're on your way!
Ready to practice effect vs. affect?
This Byte has been authored by
Donald Glass
Corporate Trainer/ESL Instructor/Learning Designer