Distinguishing Affect & Effect in English Grammar

Affect vs Effect in English Grammar

The difference between affect and effect is important to understand in order to use English properly, as these two words are frequently confused due to the similarity in their meanings. The simplest way to distinguish them is to remember that affect is always a verb, while effect is usually a noun, although there are times when effect is used as a verb too. This article aims to explain the difference between affect and effect as clearly as possible.

What does Affect mean? What does Effect mean?

Affect and Effect are two closely related words, as can be seen in the following sentence: “we were all deeply affected when the government effected a tax increase.” Effect is primarily a noun meaning outcome or consequences, while affect is a verb meaning to transform or to change. When you affect something, you produce an effect on it. For example: “How will the election affect the economy of the country? What effect will it have on the economy? I do not see how that is affecting the economy of the country.”

Effect can be used as a verb in some instances, meaning to execute, produce, or accomplish something. For example: “The election at last effected the change the people had been hoping for.” or “Martin Luther King Jr effected a change in the thinking of the American people.”

Affect is rarely used as a noun, primarily by psychologists to refer to feelings and desires as factors in thought or conduct.

The easiest way to remember the difference between affect and effect is to remember that affect is a verb and effect is a noun.

Key Takeaways

• Affect is primarily a verb, while effect is usually a noun.
• Effect can occasionally be used as a verb, meaning to execute, produce, or accomplish something.
• Affect is rarely used as a noun, primarily by psychologists to refer to feelings and desires as factors in thought or conduct.

What is the difference between Affect and Effect?

The Oxford dictionary explains the difference between affect and effect as follows: Affect and effect are quite different in meaning, though frequently confused. Affect is primarily a verb meaning ‘make a difference to,’ as in “their gender need not affect their career.” Effect, on the other hand, is used both as a noun and a verb. As a noun, it means ‘a result,’ for example, “move the cursor until you get the effect you want,” or “bring about a result.” It can be used as a verb too, as in “growth in the economy can only be effected by stringent economic controls.”

Affect vs Effect Summary

• Affect is primarily used as a verb; effect can be used both as a noun and a verb, but primarily as a noun.
• On rare occasions, affect is used as a noun and effect is used as a verb.