
The farmer’s story affected me and my family.
Hurricane Ida has affected residents in Louisiana and Mississippi since its landfall.
Jeanne’s sudden passing affected her mother deeply. Effect: ExamplesĮxamples can help you get a feel for correct usage. You’ll know you need the noun effect if you have an article ( an or the) before it. Effect can also be a verb meaning “to bring about a result,” but this usage is less common. If you want a stronger noun, try consequence. If you want a noun that evokes a negative feeling, try repercussion or aftermath if you want a positive noun, try upshot or outcome. The word affect can also function as a noun, though that use is usually limited to psychology.Įffect is a noun and means “the result” or “consequence.”The top definition of effect in Merriam-Webster is “ something that inevitably follows an antecedent (such as a cause or agent).” It’s usually read as neutral. If you want a stronger verb, try alter or transform. If you want a verb that evokes a negative feeling, try upset or disturb if you want a positive verb, try inspire or sway. Understanding their meaning and exploring alternatives can help.Īffect is a verb and means “to influence.”The top definition of affect in Merriam-Webster is “ to produce an effect upon (someone or something).” It’s usually read as neutral. Sometimes, even the most experienced writers can mix up words. Both words come from the Latin verb facere, which means “to make” or “to do.”Īffect vs. The most complicated (and least acknowledged) source of confusion is the similar meaning of the two words, which can be traced back to their Latin roots. similar appearance or spelling (differing by one letter)Īffect and effect have all three reasons for error. Industry-Specific Exceptions:In law, effect is also used as a verb meaning “to bring about.” In psychology, affect is also used as a noun meaning “emotional response.” A common business phrase is personal effects, where effect is a noun and the phrase loosely means “your personal items.” Why We Get It Wrongĭespite what some grammar snobs might say, mixing up similar words is an honest mistake. effect is usually a noun meaning “the result”. affect is usually a verb meaning “to influence”. Though there are exceptions-especially in law-a quick way to remember the difference between affect and effect is: These two words are some of the most commonly confused words in the English language! Because they sound alike, it can be even harder to keep them straight.
If you confuse the words affect and effect, you’re not alone.