Look at what causes a change and what happens as a result.

The idea

Affect is usually a verb meaning to influence; effect is usually a noun meaning a result.

Patterns to compare
WordCommon use
affectverb: influence something
effectnoun: a result or influence

Examples

  • Rain can affect the farmers’ harvest.
  • The new timetable affects my journey to work.
  • Lack of sleep affected Omar’s concentration.
  • The rain had a good effect on the garden.
  • One effect of the delay was a missed meeting.
  • The medicine had no effect on her headache.

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Watch out

After an article such as an, the noun effect usually fits, not the verb affect. The verb effect meaning “bring about” is less common.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct word. Will the road closure ___ your trip? (affect / effect)

    Show answer or example answer

    affect

    affect: The closure may influence the trip.

  2. Choose the correct word. The bright light had an unexpected ___ on the plants. (affect / effect)

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    effect

    effect: The article points to a result of the light.

  3. Choose the correct word. Noise can ___ how well students concentrate. (affect / effect)

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    affect

    affect: Noise can influence concentration.

Use it today

Describe something that can influence your day and one result it might have.