What's the Difference Between Affect and Effect?

What's the Difference Between Affect and Effect?

Have you ever paused while writing and wondered: should I use affect or effect? You're not alone. These two words confuse even native English speakers!

Affect is usually a verb

It means "to influence or make a difference to something."

Example: The weather can affect your mood.

Effect is usually a noun

It refers to "a result or outcome."

Example: The effect of the new rule was immediate.

💡 Quick Tip

If you're doing something — use affect (an action). If you're talking about the result — use effect (an end).

Common Confusion

In some rare cases, affect can be a noun (especially in psychology), and effect can be a verb (like "to effect change"). But these are less common.

See Also:

• Why Is There a Silent “K” in Words Like Knight?
• The Story Behind the Silent Letters

Understanding the difference between affect and effect helps you write more clearly and confidently. Bookmark this post for quick reference!

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