How to use "affect" and "effect" correctly in English

2023 Author: Sybil Carroll | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 06:08

Having trouble knowing when to use affect and when to use effect? This is a common and understandable problem in English because both words sound surprisingly similar (if not identical) and have similar (though different) meanings. Fortunately, it is easy to learn the difference and avoid confusing these two words. Take a look at the first step to get started!

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Use "Affect" Correctly

Step 1. Use "affect" as a verb that means "to influence" or "to bring about a change."

Although "affect" has several meanings, its most common use is as a verb similar to "produce." Normally, when people want to say that one thing has had an impact on another, they will use the verb "affect". To distinguish this meaning of the word "affect" from "effect", use this mnemonic: "When affects (" affects ", don't forget that third person singular verbs in English have an" s "at the end) to something, there is an effect ("effect") ".

Here are some examples of the word "affect" used in this way:
- It's hard to say how the price of gasoline will affect the economy in the long run. ("It's hard to say how the price of gasoline will affect the economy in the long run.")
- Growing up with three older sisters affected me greatly as a person. ("Growing up with three older sisters has affected me considerably as a person").
- When someone affects you strongly, you may develop affection for them. ("When someone affects you significantly, you can feel affection for him"). Notice that in this example the root of affection is affect.

Step 2. Use "affect" as a verb that means "pretend," "adopt," or "make yourself look like."

People will also use the word "affect" when someone acts in a different way than how they normally act. In the event that someone assumes a new personality or appearance, they will be "affecting" ("affecting") their new characteristics.

Here are some examples with the word "affect" used in this way:
- Richard affected an attitude of indifference, though he was deeply hurt by the comments. ("Ricardo adopted an attitude of indifference, although the comments had deeply offended him").
- In her role as Lady Macbeth, Sally, normally jovial, was able to affect a cold sneer of cruelty. ("In her role as Lady Macbeth, Sandra, who is usually jovial, could fake a cold grin of cruelty").

Step 3. Use "affect" as a noun that means "mood" or "state of mind."

Finally, the word "affect" will sometimes be used to describe the way someone looks or acts, often psychologically. Someone's "affect" can basically be taken as how it is externally "displayed."

Here are some examples with the word "affect" used in this way:
- The gambler's flat, emotionless affect served him well at the poker table. ("The player's flat, unemotional state came in handy at the poker table.")
- Dr. Robertson noted that the patient's affect had responded well to the regimen of anti-psychotics. ("Dr. Martinez felt that the patient's condition had responded well to antipsychotic treatment.")

Method 2 of 2: Use "Effect" Correctly

Step 1. Use "effect" as a noun that means "the result of a cause."

When people confuse "affect" with an "A", they often mean to refer to this meaning of "effect" with "E". An "effect" in this sense is the opposite of a cause, an event that occurs because another event is triggered.

Here are some examples with the word "effect" used in this way:
- It's hard to say what effect the rising price of gasoline will have on the world economy. ("It is difficult to say what effect the rise in the price of gasoline will have on the world economy").
- One undesirable effect of not wearing shoes is getting really dirty feet. ("An unwanted effect of not wearing shoes is that your feet get very dirty.")
- The hurricane caused countless tragedies and many victims are still feeling its depressing effects. ("The hurricane caused countless tragedies and many victims who are still suffering from its depressing effects.")

Step 2. Use "effect" with a noun that has a meaning similar to "impression."

Another meaning of the word "effect" will be related to the impression or sensation caused by a person, thing, or an event. These "effects" can be psychological, physical, or emotional.

Here are some examples with the word "effect" used in this way:
- Dvorak's New World Symphony produced a moving effect on the listeners in the auditorium. ("Dvorak's" New World Symphony "had an emotional effect on the listeners in the auditorium").
- The experimental drug is known to have a calming effect on rats, though it is not yet ready for human trials. ("The experimental drug is known to have a calming effect on rats, although it is not yet ready for testing in humans.")

Step 3. Use "effect" as a verb that means "to cause."

This meaning of "effect" is tricky because it can be used similarly to the word "affect" to mean "provoke or influence." These two words are practically interchangeable, although they maintain slight differences in meaning. "Effect" implies causing or causing a change in an event, while "affect" implies an act or force that alters something.

Here are some examples with the word "effect" used in this way:
- The CEO demanded that the employees work overtime to effect a complete overhaul of the company's product line. ("The CEO ordered employees to work overtime to bring about a complete overhaul of the company's product.")
- Her actions in the War Room effected a change in the situation on the battlefield. ("His actions in the war room caused a change in the situation on the battlefield.")

Step 4. Use "effect" as a noun that means "personal items."

Finally, a rather out-of-date use of the word "effect" is to refer to someone's personal belongings. Your wallet, phone, keys, notes, jewelry, journal, and more. In this case, "effect" is almost always used in its plural form, as in "personal belongings".

Here are some examples with the word "effect" used in this way:
- His personal effects were scattered across the kitchen but the man himself was nowhere to be found. ("His personal effects were scattered around the kitchen but the man as such was not found").
- The little girl skipped through the forest, choosing rocks and flowers as her personal effects as she went. ("The little girl was hopping through the woods, choosing rocks and flowers as her personal items along the way.")