Affect vs Effect
Spoken Description
Compare affect and effect: affect as a verb means to influence or have an impact; effect as a noun means a result or outcome. Learn the common patterns with clear rules, example sentences, and practice exercises.
Compara affect y effect: affect como verbo significa influir o impactar; effect como sustantivo indica una consecuencia o resultado. Aprende patrones comunes con reglas claras, frases de ejemplo y ejercicios prácticos.
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Affect and effect are closely related but serve different roles: affect is usually a verb meaning to influence, while effect is usually a noun meaning the result. This guide shows when to use each word with clear examples.
Affect
Use affect as a verb to describe something influencing or changing something else. Affect shows an action on feelings, behavior, conditions, or events.
Examples
Common Phrases
The coldmy mood (affect).
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'affect' (verb): The cold ___ my mood.
Effect
Use effect as a noun to name the result, outcome, or change that happened because of something. Effect refers to the end impact rather than the action.
Examples
Common Phrases
The new policy had a positive.
Complete the sentence with the noun 'effect': The new policy had a positive ___.
Special Cases
Sometimes affect can be a noun (in psychology, meaning an observable emotion) and effect can be a verb (meaning to bring about), but these uses are less common. Stick to affect as a verb and effect as a noun for everyday writing.
Summary
Affect is usually a verb meaning to influence; effect is usually a noun meaning the result. Remember: an action is to affect; an outcome is the effect.
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