What is the difference between affect and effect?

'Affect' is usually a verb meaning to influence or have an impact on something (The weather affects my mood). 'Effect' is usually a noun meaning a result or consequence (The effect of the medicine was immediate). Remember: Affect = Action (verb); Effect = End result (noun).

Can effect be a verb and affect be a noun?

Yes, but rarely. 'Effect' can be a verb meaning 'to bring about' (to effect change — meaning to cause change to happen). 'Affect' can be a noun in psychology meaning an emotional state. For most everyday writing, treat affect as a verb and effect as a noun.

Affect vs. Effect: What's the Difference?

Quick Answer

affect = verb (to influence something)

effect = noun (a result or outcome)

Explanation

AFFECT (verb)

To influence or have an impact on

subject + affect + object

"Stress affects your health."

"The cold weather affected the crops."

EFFECT (noun)

A result, consequence, or outcome

the effect of / have an effect on

"The effect of stress on health is serious."

"The drug had no effect."

Memory trick — RAVEN: Remember Affect Verb Effect Noun. Or: Affect = Action (verb) → Effect = End result (noun).

Common phrases with "effect":

side effect, take effect, in effect, special effects, cause and effect, have an effect on

Examples

✔Lack of sleep can affect your concentration. (verb)

✔The effect of the medication was noticeable. (noun)

✔How does pollution affect marine life? (verb)

✔The new law takes effect next month. (noun)

✘The medicine had a great affect.

✘How does the cold effect your body?

Common Mistakes

Incorrect: Stress can effect your performance.

Correct: Stress can affect your performance. (affect = verb)

Incorrect: The affect of the training was impressive.

Correct: The effect of the training was impressive. (effect = noun, the result)

Practice

Fill in the blank with "affect" or "effect":

"The noise from the construction site _____ everyone's ability to concentrate. The _____ on productivity was significant."