For example: The best way to effect change in society is to work at the grassroots level. It is pronounced the same way whether used as a verb or a noun. When used as a verb, 'effect' means to execute, produce, or accomplish something. This means John did not display any emotions. For example, consider the sentence John was unaffected by the impassioned performance. It is pronounced with a short A, as in apple, rather than the 'uh' sound found in amount and affect when used as a verb. The pronunciation of the word 'affect' is slightly different when used as a noun.

When used as a noun, 'affect' refers to the external display of one's emotions or moods. Like many other words in the English language, affect and effect have more than one meaning. Doctors must keep in mind that X-rays in CAT Scans may affect the body adversely with repeated exposure.Īs a rule of thumb that works in most common usage scenarios, it is advisable to use affect as a verb (transitive, intransitive, active, passive) and to use effect as a noun.Do you know the side effects of Tylenol?.We know the new marketing campaign is really effective because sales are up 350%.Reducing the marketing budget will affect sales growth.Supreme Court because Amy Barrett will already be confirmed by then. The results of the 2020 presidential election in the United States will not affect the composition of the U.S.The effect of global warming is that glaciers will melt and sea levels will rise.Carbon dioxide emissions affect the environment.When X 'affects' Y, it is said that X produces an 'effect' on Y. In general, affect is a verb and effect is a noun. 'Special effects' 'The parents' divorce had an adverse effect on the kid's performance in school.' 'Effect' is most commonly used in its noun form. 'Affect' is most commonly used in its verb form. Also, a person's 'effects' means his/her immediate personal belongings.

This is affect's most common usage.Īs a verb, 'to effect' means 'to bring about.'Īs a noun, the word 'affect' relates to the display of emotion.Īs a noun, effect means the result or outcome of a cause. In its most common usage, 'effect' is a noun and is usually followed by the preposition 'on' things have 'an effect on' other things.Īs a verb, to affect something means to cause it to change in some way.

In its most common usage, 'affect' is a verb 'to affect' something is to make an impact on something. Comparison chart Affect versus Effect comparison chart

To have an effect or affect on someone