by Brinda Junkere

Created on: January 20, 2010   Last Updated: January 21, 2010

The words affect and effect are commonly confused in usage. Though these words are similar in pronunciation, they cannot be used interchangeably since they have different meanings. Therefore, in order to fully understand the correct use of the words affect and effect, it is important to first know the meanings.

The word affect is most commonly used as a verb. As a verb, the simplest meanings are; to influence, to act on, to produce a change in. Here are some examples.

•The news of the merger affected the employees’ morale.

•The cigarettes affected his lungs.

As a verb, affect is also used to mean “to make a pretense of”. An example of this is:

•She affected an attitude of nonchalance towards her studies.

On the other hand, the word effect is most commonly used as a noun. In that sense it is usually used to mean “a result, consequence”. Here are some examples.

•The news of the merger had a devastating effect on employees’ morale.

•Lung cancer is one of the long term effects of cigarette smoking.

These examples show the most common usage of these two words. However, there are exceptions. For example, the word affect is sometimes used as a noun in the area of psychology and psychiatry. In that context, it is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable and has the following meanings; feeling or emotion, an emotional response that is observed or expressed. For example:

•The woman seemed completely devoid of affect during her husband’s funeral.

•He displayed a flat affect during the session.

Additionally, the word effect is sometimes used as a verb. In that context, it means “to create, to bring about, to accomplish”. Here are some sentences to illustrate this.

•It is hoped that the new policy will effect change in the public service.

•The downturn in the economy will effect changes in unemployment rates.

It must be emphasized that affect and effect should never be used interchangeably. The only connection between the words is that when one affects a situation then one has had an effect on that situation. In other words affect is generally used as a verb and effect is usually used as a noun in everyday usage. Therefore avoid common mistakes such as the following:

•The cold weather had an affect on baby’s skin.

•The sudden passing of her mother effected her grades.

Keeping these simple rules of usage will ensure that these words are used correctly.

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