The Difference Between Affect and Effect

These two words can sound very similar with today’s lazy English speaking, so it’s quite easy to get them mixed up. The picture I’ve included is very helpful and a nice, easy way to remember the difference. But if you’d like a bit more explaining and more examples, then here’s a quick tutorial on how to spot the difference and ensure that your writing doesn’t have this simple mistake in it!

Affect

Put simply, this word is a verb. If you impact or influence something, then you affect it.

The fans thought the new guitar sound affected the song well.

The singer’s voice was drastically affected by the cold he had caught.

John’s bass affects the song in a chilling way.

The loudness of the drums was affecting John’s hearing.

Effect

Effect is a noun, so it is “the effect”. Take a look at the examples and see how you can rephrase them to use either of the words.

The new guitar sound had a positive effect on the song, according to the fans.

The cold had an effect on the singer’s voice.

John thinks his bass has a chilling effect on the song.

The effect of the drums on John’s hearing was bad.

The rule for these words is: if you have affected something, then you have had an effect on it. Have any other grammar points you’d like cleared up? Contact me and I’ll post another tutorial! Happy writing!