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B1

Affect vs Effect

Affect is usually a verb meaning 'to influence'; effect is usually a noun meaning 'the result'. The medicine affected her sleep — the effect was immediate.

The one-line answer

Affect is usually a verb meaning 'to influence'; effect is usually a noun meaning 'the result'. The medicine affected her sleep — the effect was immediate.

affect

verb

to influence or produce a change in something

  • The weather affected our travel plans.
  • Lack of sleep affects your concentration.
  • How did the new rules affect you?

effect

noun

the result or consequence of an action

  • The new law had an immediate effect.
  • Stress has a terrible effect on the body.
  • The advertising campaign produced the desired effect.

Memory trick

Affect = Action (both start with A — the verb does something). Effect = End result (both start with E — the noun is the outcome).

Affect vs Effect: Test yourself

Question 1 of 2

The new policy will ___ everyone in the office.