Overview
'Affect' is almost always a verb meaning to have an influence on something. 'Effect' is almost always a noun meaning a result or consequence. Memory trick: Affect is the Action (verb); Effect is the End result (noun). Example: The cold weather affected my mood and had a negative effect on my health.
Affect — Verb
- Affect = verb → to influence, to have an impact on.
- ✓The noise affected my concentration.
- ✓Climate change affects ecosystems worldwide.
- ✓Stress affects your health.
Effect — Noun
- Effect = noun → a result, a consequence.
- ✓The noise had a negative effect on my work.
- ✓Climate change has serious effects on ecosystems.
- ✓Stress has a damaging effect on health.
Memory Tricks
- RAVEN: Remember, Affect = Verb, Effect = Noun.
- A before E: Affect (action) happens first → Effect (end result) follows.
- TestCan you replace it with 'influence'? → Use affect.
- TestCan you add 'an' before it? → Use effect.
When to use
Science writing
The drug affected the immune system positively.
Reports
The policy had a significant effect on inflation.
Health
Lack of sleep affects cognitive performance.
Environment
Pollution has harmful effects on marine life.