The Washington Post | September 15, 2012
"Supply chain disruptions continue to affect global markets"
Affect vs. Effect
The '30 Seconds' Difference At A Glance
Affect is usually a verb meaning to influence or make a change to something. Effect is usually a noun meaning the result or consequence of a change.
Climate change will affect global temperatures, and one effect will be rising sea levels.
A Deeper Look
Affect is usually about changing or influencing something. When something affects you, it's doing something to you or changing you in some way.
Lack of sleep really affects my mood the next day.
The train delays affected thousands of commuters.
Effect is usually about the result or outcome - what actually happened because of the change. Think of it as the end result.
The medicine had an immediate effect on my headache.
The effects of the budget cuts were felt across the department.
Quick tip: Most of the time, if something is happening or changing, it "affects" (verb). The changes that result are the "effects" (noun).
When It Gets Difficult
Sometimes these words switch roles. Effect can be a verb meaning "to make something happen" - like "to effect change." And in psychology, an affect (noun) means someone's emotional state or expression. But you'll rarely need these unless you're writing formally or about psychology.
The new manager hoped to effect significant changes in the company.
The patient showed a flat affect during the psychological evaluation.
Common Usage Patterns
Affect (verb)
directly affect, significantly affect, adversely affect, how it affects, may affect, could affect
Effect (noun)
side effects, ripple effect, cause and effect, take effect, immediate effect, long-term effects
Key Patterns
Affect is often followed by a direct object (what is being influenced). Effect is often preceded by an article (the, an) or adjective (positive, negative)
What Teachers Say
"Students grasp these words best through real-world examples. When discussing climate change, for instance, rising temperatures affect crops, and poor harvests are the effect."
-- Thomas, Chicago
"In academic writing, students need both words - they discuss how one factor affects another, then describe the resulting effects. Understanding this relationship helps them use both correctly."
-- Jennifer, Seattle
"The biggest challenge is when students encounter 'effect' as a verb. I tell them it's mainly used in formal phrases like 'effect change' or 'effect improvements' - in everyday writing, 'affect' is the verb they need."
-- Paul, Oxford
From The Headlines
BBC News | March 8, 2019
"Study reveals long-term effects of social media on teenagers"
The Guardian | November 30, 2023
"New trade regulations take effect next month"
Test Yourself!
1. The storm will _______ our travel plans.
2. The medication may have several side _______.
3. Your mood can _______ your work performance, and stress can have a negative _______ on your health.
