Two of the most commonly mixed up words in the English language are affect and effect. Even the most savvy grammarians among us may have to pause and double-check that they’re using the correct word in this particular pair. 

AFFECT is most often used as a verb, defined as “have an effect on; make a difference to.”

EFFECT is most offen used as a noun, defined as “a change which is a result or consequence of an action or other cause”

These two words are often used in similar scenarios, which is why they are so easy to get mixed up. Here are a few examples that show uses for each:

☀️The sun affects change on the moods of the students. The primary effect is that they are happier. 

🏃🏼‍♀️Running affects my health in so many ways. My favorite effect is that I have more energy. 

One of the easiest tricks to remember these words is to remind yourself that A in AFFECT is for Action, and verbs are action words. For EFFECT, remind yourself of the phrase “cause & effect” because the cause leads to effect, and cause ends in E leading into the first E of effect. 

Some additional examples of how to use AFFECT are below. Remember, A for Action, Affect is an action word!

💌Penelope’s letters affected everyone around her. They all felt emotional after reading them.

💡 Felicity affected the entire room when she entered, lighting it all up.

🚦The airport traffic always affected my mood. The effect was that I was so grumpy when I got to my gate.

Some additional examples for EFFECT are below. Remember, “causE and Effect” to get the right word here!

💊Jessica didn’t want to take her antibiotics because they always caused frustrating side effects.

👨‍🏫Hank was worried that the class wasn’t listening to his lecture at all and that it would have no lasting effect on them.

👃The strong perfume fragrance overpowered Ava and she could feel the instant effect of it as her head began to pound.

Still confused?

Feel free to shoot me a note and we can chat through these tricky words together! I’d love to chat about what you’re working on!

Until next time!

XOXO,

Sam Speed Edits