• Home
  • About
  • Site Map/Index
  • Feedback
  • Resources
  • Quotations
  • Spelling
  • Grammar
  • Word Choice
  • Pronunciation
  • Punctuation
  • Photos
  • affect/effect

    These words are often confused because of their related meanings but differing spellings.

    Affect is a verb meaning “to influence.”

    Effect can be both a verb and a noun. Its noun form is related to affect. (Its verb form, meaning “to accomplish” or “to put into operation,” has a different meaning and usage altogether.) In its noun form, an effect is the result of someone or something that is affecting another person or thing.

    Here is an example:

    Smoking affects health. The effect is lung cancer.

    Affect is the verb causing the influence or change (on health). The effect is the result (lung cancer).

    If you enjoyed this post, sign up to receive updates by RSS feed or e-mail.

    Posted by Rachel V. in Word Choice

    No comments yet. Go ahead—be the first to comment.

    Leave a Comment