“Affect” is normally a verb meaning to change, impact, or influence. “Effect” is usually a noun meaning the result of a change. On the surface, this seems easy enough, but English is one of those languages that always finds a way to complicate matters. In some circumstances “affect” can be a noun and “effect” a verb.
Using “affect” vs. “effect” is usually straightforward. In most cases you will use “affect” as a verb and “effect” as a noun. Here are some examples of how to use each (we’ll get to the exceptions in a moment).
“Affect” means to act on, to produce a change (or effect), or to move a person’s feelings. For instance, you’d use “affect” instead of “effect” in the following sentences:
Less commonly, “affect” can mean to pretend, to feign, or to assume an attitude or character. You’re less likely to run into these uses of “affect,” but it’s helpful to know they exist:
Using “effect” is easy enough once you remember the word is usually a noun. “Effect” most often refers to something produced by an action, consequence, agency, or cause—or a person’s or thing’s ability to produce a result:
“Effect” can also refer to a meaning, sense, or mental impression:
Finally, “effect” can refer to an impression or an artificial phenomenon:
While using “affect” as a verb and “effect” as a noun is correct most of the time, there are situations where the rule of “affect” and “effect” reverses itself. In specific circumstances, you’ll use “effect” in a sentence as a verb and use “affect” as a noun.
The rule of “affect” and “effect” becomes complicated in circumstances when “effect” is used as a verb. For instance, many people wonder, is it “effect” change or “affect” change?
When used as a verb, “effect” means to bring about, accomplish, or make happen:
In the example above, using “effected” indicates that the policy changes were created by the new government.
Another example of how using “effect” instead of “affect” changes sentence meaning is in the case of “affecting” vs. “effecting.”
“Affecting” vs. “effecting,” like other examples of using “affect” and “effect” as verbs, means the difference between the sentence’s subject influencing the object (“affect”) or accomplishing something (“effect”). It’s a subtle difference and one that can trip you up if you’re not careful.
It’s unlikely you’ll be using “affect” as a noun often unless you’re a mental health professional. In medical terms, “affect” is used to describe a person’s emotional state:
“In effect” is a propositional phrase used as an adverb or adjective. The phase means “in force,” “ongoing,” or “operational.”
The phrase “in affect,” in contrast, simply doesn’t exist. Once you understand this, you never again have to ask, is it “in effect” or “in affect.” Below are some examples of how to use “in effect” in a sentence:
Remembering when to use “affect” vs. “effect” isn’t difficult. Over time, people have come up with a couple of strategies to remember the difference. Just remember that none of these tricks account for exceptions to the rule of “affect” and “effect.”
Here’s an easy way to remember that “affect” is usually a verb. Both “affect” and “action” begin with an A. Verbs are action words, so “affect” is a verb.
The RAVEN mnemonic is an ideal way to remember the difference between “affect” and “effect.” RAVEN stands for Remember: Affect=Verb, Effect=Noun.
Once you understand the different ways to correctly use “affect” vs. “effect,” you’ll have no difficulty keeping the two words straight in your head (and your writing). Remember that “affect” is usually a verb and that “effect” is normally a noun, and keep an eye out for exceptions to the rule. Then the confusion surrounding these two words will no longer affect your ability to write brilliantly!
For more information on commonly confused words, check out our article on “aid” vs. “aide.”
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