Affect versus Effect

What is the Difference Between Affect and Effect?


When to Use Affect

Affect is both a noun and a verb, but it is almost always used as a verb, meaning, “to influence, change or alter.” For example,

  • This game will affect our standings in the league.

    Affect has a specialized meaning in psychology as a noun, “feeling or emotion, especially as manifested by facial expression or body language.” For example,

  • After giving the patient the preliminary dosage, he described his affect as flat.

    When to Use Effect

    Effect is also both a noun and a verb, but it is almost always used as a noun, meaning, “outcome, result.” For example,

  • The effect was overwhelming.

    Effect can also be used as a verb meaning “to make happen, produce, cause.” For example,

  • Over my tenure, I effected many changes around the company.

    Summary

    Is it affect or effect? Of course, that depends on your intended meaning. Affect and effect can both be used as either nouns or verbs.

    Affect is almost always a verb, and using it as a noun should be avoided.

    Effect is almost always a noun and is sometimes used as a verb.

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