In this meaning, it’s pronounced with the first syllable stressed ( aff-ect). When used as a noun, affect can refer to a visible emotional response. When used as a verb, effect means “cause something to come into being.” It’s frequently followed by the word “change.” Example: Effect as a verbThe civil rights group effected change through peaceful protest. Use the best grammar checker available to check that you've used the right words.

If the sentence still makes sense, effect is the correct word to use.Example: Effect as a nounThe quality of the food has a major effect on the taste.Įffect is used for some expressions like “take effect” and “in effect.” It’s also related to the adjective “effective.” Tip If you’re unsure whether you’re using effect correctly, substitute it with another noun (e.g., outcome, result, consequence). It is often used along with an adjective (e.g., positive, negative, unexpected). If the sentence still makes sense, affect is the correct word to use.Įffect is a noun meaning the result or consequence of a cause or action.TipIf you’re unsure whether you’re using affect correctly, substitute it with another verb (e.g., transform, modify, change). Example: Affect as a verbThe speed of the reaction was affected by the temperature.

So you’ll always include the name of the person or thing being affected. NoteIt’s also possible to use effect as a verb and affect as a noun, but they have different meanings and are much less commonly used than the definitions above.Īs a transitive verb, affect is always used with an object. The independent variable affects the dependent variable. The result of the exam will affect your overall grade. Tourism has had a positive effect on the economy. Staying up late tonight might affect your performance tomorrow.

Effect is a noun that refers to the result or change itself, as in the phrase “cause and effect.”.

Affect is a verb that describes the act of producing a change in someone or something.

They’re pronounced similarly, and in their most common meanings they both refer to change, but they have different grammatical roles: Effect | Examples, Definition & DifferenceĪffect and effect are two related words that are commonly confused.

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Something affects me