Main Difference – Affect vs. Effect
Affect and Effect are two of the most commonly misused words in the English language. The key to understanding the difference between affect and effect is to remember that affect is a verb whereas effect is a noun. The main difference between these two words is that affect means to change or influence something while effect means the result of something.
Affect – Meaning and Usage
Affect is generally used as a verb though it is sometimes used as a noun as well. As a verb, affect mainly mean to influence, to make a difference to or to move emotionally. The following sentences will explain this meaning more clearly.
Affect – Verb
“The Second World War affected all the countries in the world.”
“The tragic accident affected all of us.”
“A teacher’s attitude and thoughts can affect the lives of the children.”
“Her sister’s untimely demise affected her mental condition.”
“His behavior will affect his studies.”
“The film affected us all, and the whole theater was shedding tears at the end.”
“The medicine did not affect his condition.”
Affect (verb) has another meaning. It also refers to pretend to feel or have. For instance,
“He affected to loathe the modern technology, yet used the newest technology available to carry out his research.”
Affect – Noun
The word Affect can also be used a noun, but this usage is not very common. As Oxford dictionary explains, affect can refer to ‘an emotion or desire as influencing behavior’. This is a term used in Psychology.
The prescribed medicine did not affect his condition.
Effect – Meaning and Usage
Effect is generally used as a noun that means the result or consequence of something. Effect also has a lot of subtle meanings. You can understand theses subtle variations by observing the examples below.
Effect – Noun
“Unemployment has a direct effect on the crime rate of a country.”
“Her singing has a soothing effect.”
“He delivered a speech on the effects of drugs.
“The scientists did research on the effects of air pollution.”
“Solar power can be used to great effect.”
“Newspapers have a direct effect on public’s thinking.”
“Consumption of tobacco will have a negative effect on your health.”
Effect – Verb
Effect is sometimes used as a verb as well. As a verb, Effect means to bring about or cause. This is mostly used with words like change and solutions.
“The new prime minister effected many policy changes.”
“The idiom ‘Pen is mightier than the sword’ means that written word can effect change.”
Smoking can have a negative effect on your health.
Difference Between Affect and Effect
Grammatical Form
Affect is a Verb.
Effect is a Noun.
Meaning
Affect means to cause, to influence, or to make a difference to.
Effect is something that happens due to a cause.
Alternative Meanings
Affect also means ‘to pretend to feel or have.’ As a noun, it refers to feelings and emotions, and is mainly used in the field of psychology.
Effect can be also used as a verb meaning ‘to bring about.’
