When do you use effect or affect (or in past tense, affected or effected)? Affect v effect easily get confused. Affect is usually a verb, and it means to impact or change. Effect, on the other hand, is usually a noun that you would use to indicate the result of a change. Because “affect” and “effect” are homophones (words that sound alike), they are often confused. We’ll share some easy tips on telling them apart. 

Affect vs. effect: the difference

Affect 

Is a verb: A word or phrase that describes an action, condition, or experience. 

Effect 

Is a noun: A word that refers to a person, place, thing, event, substance, or quality. 

Affect vs. effect: the definitions

Affect 

Make a difference to; bring about change; touch the feelings of; move emotionally. 

Effect 

A change which is a result or a consequence of an action or other cause. 

Affect vs. effect: the synonyms

Affect 

The synonyms for this word include: Influence, have an effect on, sway, modify, alter, touch, stir. 

Effect 

Could also mean (synonyms): Result, consequence, outcome, reaction, ramifications.

Affect vs. effect: in a sentence

Affect 

  • How do cigarettes affect my brain? 

  • Age-related changes in organs, tissues and other parts of your body can affect how you respond or react to medicines. 

  • Throughout the performance, a number of audience members were visibly affected, brought to tears by the reality of the tale. 

Effect 

  • Global warming is projected to have a number of effects on the ocean. 

  • He resigned with immediate effect. 

  • A good diet had a positive effect on their health. 

  • What are the effects of smoking on the lungs? 

Reference: Cambridge Dictionary 

Affect vs. Effect - infographic

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Misspelled words often find their way into our world. So, that’s making it increasingly tough to know what is right and wrong. Let’s admit it, speaking can be deceiving, especially if it’s in a language that is not your mother tongue. That got us thinking and we decided to start our own “pronunciation” series and list the 50 most commonly mispronounced words. The list provides a good start to help you articulate and enunciate words correctly and may be a useful tool for your IELTS Speaking test.

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